‘Messiah from Scratch’ marks start of festive finale to 2024

Messiah from Scratch is one of the highlights of the music calendar and joyously signals the start of the festive finale to the Michaelmas Term. 

It not only provides a wonderful opportunity for pupils to hone their skills as soloists, it gives members of the community, parents and staff an opportunity to come together and sing in the Chorus. 

This year’s large and enthusiastic chorus provided the perfect backdrop for exceptional performances from a group of gifted pupils: Milan H, Kai S, Naomi H-S, Sophie L, Douge L, Sebastian C, Meg O, Imogen A, Oliva E, Hennie D, Reva S, Sophia P, Tilly R, Mia W, Fergus R, Emily M, Ilana B, Josh K, Zinnia-Claire B and Rory R.

Accompanied by a guest orchestra, each pupil delivered Handel’s Messiah with great precision, navigating music that’s difficult even for experienced musicians.

Special recognition goes to the younger pupils, many of whom participated in Messiah for the first time this year, and to Kai S and Naomi H-S, who not only sang but also displayed their instrumental skills on the violin and oboe.

Year 13 pupil, Sophia P shortlisted for The Arts Society A Level Competition

Year 13 pupil Sophia P has achieved a remarkable milestone as her art installation, Dei Curatio, has been shortlisted for The Arts Society A Level Competition.

Inspired by Damien Hirst and her visit to the MUSA Anatomy Museum, Sophia created a thought-provoking installation featuring tall glass jars filled with wax and plaster hands. Each hand evokes a haunting sense of time frozen. Adding to the piece’s unsettling impact, Sophia suspended a cast of an ear in oil, creating a scientific display-like illusion that challenges the viewer’s comfort.

Through her work, Sophia explores themes of mortality, preservation, and the blurred boundaries between art and science. By situating biological fragments in an artistic context, Sophia’s installation urges the viewer to ponder what separates art from artefact, and whether either truly holds the power to transcend death.

The winner will be announced in early March, and we wish Sophia the best of luck!

Cranmer Award win for two Gresham’s pupils

This year, ten talented pupils from our School took part in The Cranmer Award, an annual public speaking competition that celebrates the timeless language of the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. The pupils performed admirably, with two of them emerging as winners.

The competition required participants to deliver passages from psalms, epistles, and collects from the Book of Common Prayer in a three- to five-minute reading. They had a tough judge to impress – TV journalist Anne Robinson – and were marked on the precision, clarity, and expression of the passages.

Aaron S, who recently captivated audiences as the presiding judge in a school production of Agatha Christie’s A Witness for the Prosecution, impressed with a powerful and commanding performance. He brought all his gravitas to a fine delivery and romped away with the Senior Award. When asked by Anne Robinson about his future aspirations, Aaron quipped that whatever he does, he plans to make the most of his voice.

In the Junior category, Lewis H achieved second place, earning well-deserved praise for his expressive reading. As part of his recognition, Lewis had the honour of leading prayers in Chapel the following Saturday.

Aaron’s victory now propels him to the national finals in February, where he has the chance to follow in the footsteps of former Howson’s pupil Joe Oxtoby, who previously excelled on the same stage.

Record success for pupils in LAMDA exams

A record number of pupils recently achieved outstanding results in their graded LAMDA exams in Acting and The Speaking of Verse and Prose, with all candidates passing with flying colours. For those taking the higher grades, these achievements also provide invaluable extra UCAS points, further enhancing their academic portfolios.

The evening before the exams, a special LAMDA showcase was held in the Auden Theatre. The event offered a glimpse of the pupils’ talents, with performances of monologues spanning a wide variety of styles, emotions, and historical periods.

Academic Enrichment: HSM Advisory on ‘The Future of Work’

Founded in 2008 by London Business School Professor, Lynda Gratton, HSM Advisory is a dynamic and forward-thinking research advisory group based in London. Dedicated to shaping a sustainable future, the organisation has spent 15 years partnering with some of the world’s most influential companies, including FTSE 100 organisations, Magic Circle law firms, and the Big Four professional services firms.

We were delighted to welcome Sarah Snyder and Caroline Nicholson from HSM Advisory to speak to our Sixth Form pupils about The Future of Work. Their energised and engaging presentation offered a glimpse into the changing landscape of work. Through interactive digital polls, the pupils actively participated in exploring key themes, such as the implications of longer life spans and multistage careers. 

The central message to pupils was clear: prepare yourself for the future by developing resilience, building networks, seeking out mentors, and embracing diverse learning opportunities. Challenges and setbacks were framed as vital stepping stones on the path to growth.

Jazzscapes at Dave’s

On Wednesday, our IB Music Jazz Quartet delivered a fantastic gig at Dave’s, performing their set Jazzscapes. Featuring Ferdinand v-D on trumpet, Kai S on bass, Benny S on piano, and Timo F on drums, their talent and energy made for an unforgettable evening.

With music inspired by the sea, their repertoire reflected a site-specific influence, creating a unique atmosphere.

The quartet was joined on stage by guest musicians and cheered on by a large audience of pupils enjoying the school’s social space. This performance is part of their Contemporary Music Maker project, where pupils create and deliver real-world music experiences.

The project will culminate in a studio recording session at Strathmore Studio, with the release scheduled for the new year.

Music and Munch

Seats were at a premium for the Music and Munch on Friday 15 November as audiences were treated to wide range of vocal and instrumental offerings. Jemima A opened the lunchtime concert playing Allegretto by Godard, Tom S played Idea 22, a contemplative piano piece and Stanley W entertained with a saxophone favourite Lose Control.

Following a trio of songs, Maybe This Time from Edie C, Silent Noon from Jemima W, and I dreamed a dream from Clara Leeper, Dr Limbrick and his Percussion Ensemble concluded the concert with a foot-tapping performance of St Thomas by Sonny Rollins.