With a continuing mission to integrate the school ’ s commitment to equity , diversity and inclusion into its creative environment , the Music department strives to celebrate the diversity of its instruments as well as shining a light on overlooked composers .
DISCOVERING DIVERSITY IN MUSIC
With a continuing mission to integrate the school ’ s commitment to equity , diversity and inclusion into its creative environment , the Music department strives to celebrate the diversity of its instruments as well as shining a light on overlooked composers .
This year , from experimentation on toy pianos to political music reflecting the pursuit of freedom , we have collaborated to put on a plethora of exciting performances .
To me , engaging with music outside my comfort zone has inspired me to explore pieces beyond the scope of Western conventions and appreciate the achievements of underrepresented composers . I have been studying the works of Charlotte Durey-Sohy , a French composer who was frequently challenged by gender stereotypes in the early 20th century , and shared her Six petite pièces in the Discovering Diverse Voices concert .
The Discovering Diverse Keyboards concert in November celebrated the variety of keyboard instruments that exist , each with their distinct sounds and aesthetics . The programme was filled with artistry and adventure ; JS Bach ’ s Prelude in C major was performed with elegance on the clavichord by Niamh Harmer ( Year 10 ) and Hauschka ’ s ‘ Mount Hood ’ was dexterously played on the prepared piano ( a piano with objects inserted to alter its sound ) by Jaxon Pang ( Year 10 ).
Another highlight during the Lent term was Freedom : a concert which delved into this abstract concept in the context of culture , politics and musical conventions . It began with a remarkable performance of Milad Yousufi ‘ s ‘ Freedom ’ by The Space Collective . Unable to pursue his musical passion in Afghanistan due to Taliban control which currently outlaws music , Yousufi , who is now a refugee in New York , calls for freedom to create music through his compositions . Lydia Chernyavskaya and William Liao of Year 11 and Mrs Carolyn Cabrera brought the American symbol of freedom to life through their performance of ‘ The Liberty Bell ’ by John Sousa . From Year 10 , Ilya Reshetnik ’ s extraordinary interpretation of the Ukrainian patriotic march ‘ O , the red viburnum in the meadow ’ by Stepan Charnetskyi was brilliantly showcased on the piano .
54 MUSIC REVIEW