Last night, Friday 28^th June, the Auden Theatre hosted the much-anticipated Music Revue 2024, a spectacular concert that celebrated a year of exceptional musical achievements and bid farewell to our incredible Year 13 pupils. The event was a fitting conclusion to the 2023/24 academic year, highlighting the diverse talent and dedication of our pupils. 

The concert opened with Jimmy T’s introduction, where he recounted the excitement of re-establishing the Steinway status and celebration of the new fleet of pianos. This set the stage for the powerful performance of “Jupiter,” featuring five pianos in the foyer, played by Jimmy T, Matilda F, Emily M, Ferdinand v D and Milan H, with support from Mrs. Wolfe, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Carr. 

Tamsin S then took the stage to share her journey that has culminated in her acceptance to the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Her performance of Glitter and Be Gay accompanied by the orchestra showcased her impressive vocal development. 

Next, Larkin A gave a heartfelt introduction about his experiences, and treated us to his incredible performance of Tonight at Eight, first performed in the A-Level recital – reflecting his growth and dedication over the years.  These vocal performances are testament to the commitment of the pupils and guidance from Toby Girling.  

The evening continued with Alexandre S, George B, Edward D M and Eduvie O, who shared insights into their studio work and the impact of Gresham’s Studio and Music Technology opportunities. Their segment included a showcase of their compositions, highlighting the creative spirit nurtured at Gresham’s, all under the expert guidance of Justin Myers and Chris Cooper.  

Ruby S captivated the audience with stories of her time in various musicals throughout her school years. Her performance of “Cabaret” was a nostalgic nod to her theatrical journey at Gresham’s. 

Michelle W recounted the memorable moments from her Pop Concert experiences and then performed a stripped back version of “Dive”, which was a standout, demonstrating the high calibre of our pop musicians. 

Larkin A, Ruby S, Jemima T, and Tamsin S collaborated on an “Amelie” medley, performing Where Do We Go from Here and Times are Hard for Dreamers, which beautifully captured the essence of their shared musical experiences. 

Jimmy T returned to the stage to talk about his extensive involvement in the Messiah and Choral Society concerts over the last five years. His solo performance of Ombra Mai Fu was a testament to his commitment and passion for choral music. This was followed by Schola Cantorum’s poignant rendition of And So It Goes, providing a reflective moment in the concert. These opportunities have been led and directed by Mark Jones, accompanied by Martin Holford.  

Jemima T then took the spotlight to discuss her journey and achievements, concluding with her emotive performance of Oscar Winning Tears, which left the audience in awe. The orchestra was directed by Thomas Carr, and we sadly bid him farewell after four spectacular years at Gresham’s.  

The concert also served as a farewell to our Year 13 pupils and their contributions over the years, which have left an indelible mark on Gresham’s musical landscape, and their performances at the Revue 2024 were a testament to their talent and hard work.