“The Worst Journey in the World” (Philip Guest) 

Thursday evening last week saw the Quiristers sing in the candle-lit cloisters of Winchester College to celebrate the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the life of Old Wykehamist Apsley Cherry-Garrard (1886-1959), member of Scott’s fated 1910 Antarctic expedition, and author of “The Worst Journey in the World”, published 100 years ago in 1922. Even for those not of a sea-faring background, the sound of sixteen perfect treble voices singing “For those in peril on the sea!” was a haunting reminder of the bravery of mariners past and present, as we approached Remembrance Day. 

Quiristers’ Charity Concert, 12/11/22 (Drusilla Brodrick) 

As part of a busy weekend, on Saturday evening the Quiristers performed at St Mary’s Church, Twyford to raise money for Winchester Go LD, a charity enabling adults with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling and independent lives. It was an excited audience, welcomed with drinks and canapés, which anticipated the entertainment ahead.  

Conducted by Mr Ionascu and accompanied on piano and organ by Ben Cunningham, the Quiristers performed an interesting and varied programme. They started with the uplifting Dyson’s Praise and Laudes. This was followed by Vivaldi’s Laudamus te which allowed the Quiristers’ voices to joyfully play off each other and showcase their treble virtuosity. Rian D then performed a beautiful solo for Wilby’s God be in my head. 

Thomas R, Head Quirister, executed a wonderfully polished oboe solo which captivated the audience. Elements from Fauré’s Messe Basse, the Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei beautifully rounded off the first half.  

The second half began with Henry B’s delicate solo Pie Jesu from Fauré’s Requiem, followed by an interesting mix of pieces, The water is wide, An American Traditional song, John Ireland’s Ex ore innocentium which Mr Ionascu announced would appear on the CD the Quiristers are recording in January.  

Ivor L then impressed with his clarinet solo after which we were treated to Mendelssohn’s O rest in the Lord. To change the pace, the Quiristers – unconducted – sang a great rendition of Paul Simon’s Bridge over troubled water.  

Almost a Q tradition, the final choral flourish was Five Eyes by Cecil Armstrong Gibbs, the amusing poem read beforehand by James P. 

The concert was a great success; every Q was given the opportunity at a solo, an important experience outside the Chapel, and one they succeeded in. The Qs then charmed the audience into purchasing their last Christmas CD ‘A Winter’s Tale’, thereby raising further funds for Go LD. It was definitely a musically enriched – and well-fed! – crowd who departed into the warm November night. 

Remembrance Sunday, 13/11/22 (Philip Guest) 

On Sunday morning, the Quiristers led the choir and congregation in silent procession from the Service of Remembrance in Winchester College Chapel to the Act of Remembrance in the War Cloister. As the Kohima Epitaph was spoken, I thought of the Quiristers, and how eagerly they seize opportunities and rise to challenges. And I hoped that in some way, by living their own lives to the full, they are honouring the lives of those who made the greatest sacrifices of all. 
 
“When you go home, tell them of us and say:  For your tomorrow, we gave our today." 

Q Instrumental Concert, 13/11/22 (Wojtek Rakowicz) 

Standing between a pile of empty instrument cases and a grand piano, Howard Ionascu opened proceedings with an unusually personal confession: that he was nervous. 

He reassured the boys that this is not a competition but all about progression in musicianship and repertoire. 

And we saw an abundance both: from measuring the time is takes to take an instrument out of its case to confidently picking just the right piece to bring a smile to everyone’s face; from overcoming shyness to enjoying the stage: boys transitioning from probationers to senior Qs. 

At the end of an incredibly busy week, this term’s Q concert presented us with a huge selection of treats - from guitar to trombone and from (mini)bassoon to piano - all wrapped up in less than an hour. 

Howard really need not have worried: his dogs Ursula and Schnoodle gave an impeccable beginner’s performance. Can[es]: tacent?  

Upcoming Concerts in November and December