Recital: Music Scholars of King Edward’s, Witley

The Programme

James Parker – treble
Carol Yiu – viola
Dolly Vann – mezzo-soprano
Freddie Marren – countertenor
Andrew Snelling – piano
Xavier Knight – baritone
Phoebe Wilson – soprano
Cai Thomas – baritone
Julien Early – French horn
Ian Richardson, Head of Keyboard – accompanist

Lascia ch’io pianga, from Rinaldo (James Parker)

Mack the knife (Carol Yiu)

One hand, one heart, from West Side Story (Dolly Vann)

Over the mountains (Freddie Marren)

Ballade, Op 100 (Andrew Snelling)

Die Lotosblume, Op 25 (Xavier Knight)

On my own, from Les Miserables (Phoebe Wilson)

Dream valley (Cai Thomas)

Allegro from Horn concerto No 3, K 447 (Julien Early)

The Artists

The history of King Edward’s, Witley and long experience of co-education reflects what parents and pupils seek. Founded in 1553, the school has a unique place in the story of British education. Christian vision, a Tudor palace and a boy King (Edward VI) each feature in the creation of our distinctive school. The vision came from Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London, who convinced Edward VI to grant his palace at Bridewell, on the banks of the Thames, to the Lord Mayor of London, so creating our parent foundation, Bridewell Royal Hospital, as a place for the training and education of poor children in 1553. We moved to the 100-acre Witley site in 1867.

This original co-educational vision continues today, with King Edward’s being one of the most long-standing co-educational schools in the country. Tradition is greatly valued and close links with the City remain through the Court of Governors. The Lord Mayor attends our annual Service of Thanksgiving at St Bride’s Church and Admissions Day, while pupils participate in a range of events and activities associated with the City of London, perpetuating the links of our historical roots.

The Music Department of King Edward’s School is based in a purpose-built Music School, built in 1960 thanks to the generosity of the Countess of Munster. The Department is ambitious in its expectations of students, aiming to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive musically by making music accessible to all pupils of all abilities, backgrounds and experience. There is an extensive co-curricular programme of concerts, masterclasses, workshops and trips with some twenty ensembles rehearsing each week. Today’s Recital is given by our Music Scholars who are at the centre of our department. Strong links are maintained with the City of London and musicians perform regularly at City events.