ONLINE: Music Scholars of King Edward’s, Witley

The Programme

Ben Charles – baritone
Josh Cook – treble recorder
Freddie Davies – oboe
Izzy Davies – mezzo-soprano
Julien Early – French horn
Jack Elderkin – cello
Anna Gaszka – violin
Xavier Knight – voice
Cai Thomas – tenor
Rob Lewis and Nadia Nishizono-Miller – accompanists

Recorded live at St Bride’s on Tuesday 22nd June.

A brown bird singing
(Cai Thomas)

Sonata No 2 in A minor, Op 1 No 4, HWV 362
iii. Adagio
iv. Allegro
(Josh Cook)

Silent Noon
(Izzy Davies)

Sonata 2 in D major, Op 166
i. Allegretto
(Freddie Davies)

from Les Misérables
Drink with me
(Xavier Knight)

Concerto No 4 in E flat, K 495
i. Allegro
(Julien Early)

Suite No 3 in C major, BWV 1009
Bourées I and II
(Jack Elderkin)

Concerto No 9 in A minor, Op 104
ii. Adagio
(Anna Gaszka)

from Songs of Travel
The infinite shining heavens
(Ben Charles)

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 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.