On Monday, concert goers were treated to a ‘Vivaldi Extravaganza’, featuring seventy-seven pupils from the First to the Upper Sixth Forms and soloist Michael Bochmann, directed by Angus Gibbons and Nick Warden.
The programme opened with Vivaldi’s A Minor Concerto with Oundle Strings, followed by the Senior Strings, which were joined by Camerata Mercoledi and soloist Jenny (K) performing three movements from Vivaldi Gloria.
The Senior Strings were then led by guest teacher Michael Bochmann and Head of Strings Angus Gibbons in the A Minor Double Concerto. Head of Singing Nick Warden joined the Senior Strings in a performance of solo arias from Vivaldi’s operas.
The baroque repertoire provided the opportunity to bring out the harpsichord, played by soloists Max R (Ldr) and Max B (Sc). Harlan (Sc) and Justin (L) also featured as soloists on violin and cello.
In the second half, the Chamber Orchestra brought all the seasons to life with Vivaldi’s most famous work, The Four Seasons, featuring Michael Bochmann as soloist.
As a guest teacher, Michael spent Sunday and Monday working exhaustively with Oundle musicians in preparation for the concert, and he inspired all with his beautiful and colourful portrayal of Vivaldi. As well as rehearsing with the orchestras and singers on their separate performances, he worked with the harpsichord players, and with Harlan (Sc) and Tom (Ldr) who played the solo roles of the birds in ‘Spring’. He also fit in individual classes with Flora (Sn), David (Ldr), Chon (Ldr) and Harlan, who will be performing solos in two forthcoming concerts.
Michael has performed all over the world, and is a professor of violin and chamber music at Trinity College of Music in London. In 2015 he was awarded MBE for services to music.
