Student-led "Carnival" Proves a Musical Triumph
A group of talented musicians at Bancroft's School, came together in March for five totally student-led performances of Saint Sa毛n鈥檚 "Carnival of the Animals."
The project was led by Lower Sixth Former (Yr 12) Matthew P, who demonstrated exceptional maturity and poise with his conducting. Each performance was aimed at a different audience dynamic. The first one was for pupils from Bancroft's own Prep School as well as those from local primaries, St John’s and Oakhill Schools. This was followed by a wonderful neurodivergent-friendly performance to a room full of enthralled guests from local special schools, Oakview and Woodcroft Schools, as well as from members of Phab and ELHAP both social groups for people with special needs. Another performance was for family, staff and friends, followed by a Saturday morning family-friendly performance to which everyone was welcome, aged 0 to 99. Finally, the ensemble gave a scaled down performance as part of Bancroft's annual musical showcase in the splendid surroundings the Drapers' Hall in the City of London. The event was a very special one indeed.
"Carnival of The Animals" is a suite of fourteen movements scored for two pianos and chamber ensemble, with each movement introducing a new member of the animal kingdom. The animals gather for the carnival in the work’s celebratory finale. En route to the carnival the audience met, amongst others, the Lion, the Swan, the Tortoise, enjoyed a trip though the Aviary and explored the world of Fossils and the Aquarium. The themes of these different beasts were played by different instruments, so the cello (Anavi S) was the ethereal Swan and the clarinet (Samah B) represented the Cuckoo, whilst Nish G on the xylophone conjured up the rattling bones of the Fossils. It is a largely playful piece, which was thoroughly exploited by Jo L, Nathan T and Krishan P as the pianists, especially in the piano duets. An amusing and dramatic narration delivered with confidence and charm by Louis C and Lucas Y, led the various audiences through the menagerie.
The maturity of playing and the quality of sound, was quite astonishing for a group of students with the members of this tight ensemble playing to the highest of professional standards. This was a wholly student-led venture, which made the event all the more remarkable. Mr Ronan MacManus, one of Bancroft's team of visiting instrumental teachers, commented, "What I found particularly moving was the feeling of camaraderie amongst the performers. All friends, they encouraged each other to play well, and willed themselves to play their best for their fellow ensemble members."
Jo and Nathan on Piano
26.04.23