Dulwich College Beijing Spring Ensemble Concert 2024

Last week, our Senior School students gave an outstanding performance at the annual Spring Ensemble Concert. Nearly 150 students worked together to produce beautiful music, filling the theatre with their vibrant energy. Friends, family, and faculty members gathered in the auditorium to witness the culmination of weeks of dedication and practice, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement.

The Spring Ensemble Concert is a showcase of the ensemble work by our students since the start of the school year. It featured students of different levels and abilities, from those highly skilled in their instruments to students who had just started learning a new instrument within the last six months.

Unlike solo performances, opportunities to play in a group for an extended period are not as common. Being able to play in a big ensemble is a valuable skill for musicians, as they need to keep in time with each other, look to the conductor for cues, and work on dynamic changes while keeping it balanced. Through our Young Conductors Programme, Key Stage 5 students who have a strong interest in conducting have the opportunity to become the conductor of an ensemble, leading and coordinating a whole ensemble just as Year 12 student Daniel G, our conductor for Key Stage 3 Strings, did.

Paola Conte, our Senior School Teacher of Music, shared how much the students valued this opportunity, saying, “Students are just so thrilled to perform after these previous years of not being able to have concerts. Because of COVID, we went through a very difficult period in music, and now it’s wonderful to see everything going back to the Dulwich (College Beijing) that we all know – lots of concerts and performances, and the children are just so excited to be a part of that again.”

Just as equally proud is Istvan Csonka, our Senior School Teacher of Music, who led the Testostertones boys’ choir, Chamber choir, and Dulwich voices, alongside Shudan Carey, also our Senior School Teacher of Music. “The Spring Concert last Tuesday was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent of our students. Each performance was met with enthusiasm and acclaim, highlighting the hard work and dedication of our young musicians. The concert not only demonstrated the students' musical prowess but also reflected the vibrant spirit of our school community. It was truly an evening to remember."

Anthony Coles, our Head of College, also added that the students' passion, commitment, and collaborative spirit were evident throughout the concert. “From stirring orchestral arrangements to soulful vocal performances and electrifying band numbers, the concert featured a diverse array of musical genres, captivating the audience with every note. It was a testament to the students' passion, commitment, and collaborative spirit, highlighting the rich musical culture flourishing within the DCB community. Thank you to the Music Department for supporting the students.”