St Edmund's
School News
St Edmund’s Gala Concert 2026: An Evening of Musical Excellence
This year’s Gala Concert marked a change of venue due to preparations for the Archbishop’s installation at the Cathedral. We were fortunate to secure the Colyer-Fergusson Hall at the University of Kent, and it proved to be an ideal and intimate space for the varied and challenging programme.
The Symphony Orchestra were on fine form with their opening performance of the first movement from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and The Wasps by Vaughan Williams just before the interval. Choral music was a clear focus of the evening, from soprano soloist Daisy Baker’s exquisite rendition of Eternal source of light divine by Handel, to an unaccompanied item Down in the river to pray performed by a newly formed U6 girls a cappella group and Faire is the heaven by Harris, performed by the Chamber Choir. Instrumental items from soloists Kai Parker (flute), Ruaraidh Aitken (violin) and Rhyd Lowe (saxophone) brought us Morceau de concours by Faure, Remembrances from Schindler’s List by John Williams and Braziliera by Milhaud.
The second half was devoted to Gloria by Vivaldi and the joint forces of the Chapel Choir, Upper School Junior Choir, Choral Programme, St Edmund’s Choral Society and St Faith’s Choir performed it with gusto and energy. Daisy Baker (soprano) and Rafa Barton Hodges (counter-tenor) negotiated the solo movements with great skill and expression beyond their years. Thanks go to all performers, Dr Rowcroft, Mr Payne and those behind the scenes who worked so hard to deliver an evening to savour.
Spencer Payne
Director of Music
St Edmund’s School, Canterbury
