No . 132
The Trusty Servant
The Julian Smith Song School
A new rehearsal space in memory of Julian Smith ( Co Ro , 53-92 ; visiting singing teacher until 2012 ) was opened on 17 th October :
The official opening took place on 17 th October , after a service of Choral Matins in Chapel . The pandemic had caused Chapel services to be suspended for the boys , so it was heart-warming to see such a large congregation of friends , OWs and donors , including Julian ’ s immediate family , who all raised the roof with their singing of the hymns . The Headmaster began the service by welcoming the congregation and reading two verses by John Dryden in celebration of Music . The First Lesson was read by Julian ’ s elder grandson , and the Second Lesson by the College Chaplain . Chapel Choir – in fine form under the Director of Chapel Music – sang Bruckner ’ s Locus Iste as an Introit , and then Britten ’ s Festival Te Deum ( treble solo by the Head Quirister ) and Jubilate ; the anthem was Mendelssohn ’ s magnificent setting of Psalm 43 , Richte mich , Gott . A memorable address was given by the Second Master , and the Organist brought the service to a close with a majestic Bach prelude and fugue .
Afterwards , with the sun shining in Chamber Court , the Headmaster expressed great gratitude to those whose generous donations had made possible the creation of the Song School in First Chamber . He explained that in exchange , Pingers at the top of College Hall steps has been renovated for the use of Collegemen . He made everyone laugh with a teasing build-up to thank and introduce Fiona , Julian ’ s wife .
Fiona said that she knew Julian would be taken aback , amazed –
Simon Halsey & Fiona Smith cutting the ribbon
and delighted by the reason for this occasion , and expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone involved with the creation of the Song School . She explained that it was the Headmaster himself who had taken up Howard Ionascu ’ s proposal for a Song School , and had then taken charge of the whole project . It is now the permanent home and rehearsal room for the Quiristers : a new grand piano is surrounded by three handsome long desks made of white oak , specially constructed by the College joiner , at which each Quirister has his own place . There are cupboards for Chapel Choir ’ s robes , and new shelving for all the music . Three former Chapel panels hang on the walls , reclaimed from storage and restored : they contain carvings by two contemporary woodcarvers , newly commissioned by Fiona to mark the 300 th anniversary this year of the death of the great Master Carver , Grinling Gibbons .
Fiona welcomed Professor Simon Halsey CBE ( A , 71-75 ), one of our most distinguished Wykehamist musicians , and recipient in 2014 of the Queen ’ s Medal for Music - a signal honour , given personally by the Queen to only one person each year , for having ‘ a major influence on the musical life of the nation .’ The previous evening Simon had an engagement at the Royal Opera House , and after lunch he caught the train for a performance in Paris , so we were most fortunate that he was able to be with us for this celebration .
Simon assisted Fiona in cutting the splendid red ribbon , to loud applause . He spoke most warmly of Julian ’ s lasting influence on him and on countless Wykehamist musicians , with his enthusiasms not only for music , but also for languages and cricket . Music was part of everyday life in the school , not only for music specialists . Simon has very happy memories of ‘ tea and toast on Thursday afternoons in Meadow House with the Smith family ’ before rehearsals of the Kingsgate Singers , a sure way to a teenager ’ s heart ! He has spent his life and career sharing this musical inspiration with choirs all over Europe ; he expressed much joy that the Song School is located right at the heart of the school , where music has been central to College life since its Foundation .
Two OQs : David Woolley QC ( Q , 50-52 & Coll , 53-57 ) and Nick Wilks ( Q , 70-73 & 2M )
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