d'Overbroeck's College Oxford

Winter Recital 2006

The Annual Winter Recital always provides an excellent showcase for the talents of our students and this year’s event was no different. If anything, the range and quality of performances was even better than previous years. The concert, held once again at the Jacqueline du Pre building at St Hilda’s College, featured a wide range of pieces from Bach to Eminem, from Gershwin to Hendrix. The audience was treated to a superb array of individual and group performances that spanned opera, swing, rock, classical, traditional, and modern, to name but a few. A series of eclectic performances combined to form an inspiring evening in which the abilities and enthusiasm of students shone through.

The recital opened with an emotional performance of the traditional ‘Amazing Grace’, sung by Nyeleti Honwana, and accompanied by Irial Eno. Other impressive soloists through the evening were Nazarra Chirakajonwongse, Scarlett McLean, and Pui Otrakul.

Amongst the many outstanding moments was Jack Williams’ originally crafted voice and piano version of ‘Let’s Get It On’ by Marvin Gaye. As well as being a solo artist, Jack also plays in two local bands. Following his success at the Rock School course held at Stowe last summer, Jack has been given a recording contract, so listen out for him!

Another impressive performer was Francesca Barrow, who performed an original composition entitled, ‘My Dark Surprise’. With strong and emotional vocals, and a supporting guitar part, Francesca’s performance grabbed the audience from the outset.

Other delightful moments included novice performer David Hua, who gave a focused and polished performance on solo guitar, and talented Jonty Howard’s sonorous performance of Bach’s Prelude for Solo ‘Cello.

Group performances included the stylish swing of Gidon Fineman, Josh Rigal and Korbinian Rossbauer, with their tight and musical arrangement of ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’ from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. This was followed by the hair-flinging, heads-down, no-nonsense-rock of Jonty Howard, Josh Rigal ,and James Utechin.

In contrast to the musical items of the evening, the audience was moved by poetry and drama readings by members of the sixth form Theatre Studies class. Excerpts including Robert Burns, William Blake, Emily Bronte, and W.B. Yeats, were united by the theme of love of the natural world, and the changing of the seasons. The evening was brought to an unforgettable close with an energetic and mind-boggling routine choreographed by Katie Jones-Beattie, to the music of Akon. This rightly led to a musical encore, with all the performers of the evening up on stage.

Congratulations to all our outstanding performers, and thank you to our audience, who contributed to the charity ‘Shelter’. It is evenings like this that make you appreciate the range and depth of talent at the College; what a great beginning to the festive season.