The concert by the British Council School Orchestra and Big Band, held on Saturday 14th September 2024 at 12:00 in the iconic Teatro Juan Bravo in Segovia, in the heart of the Plaza Mayor, was a unique experience that showcased the richness of young talent and the power of music to transcend generations and styles. This event, organised by the prestigious Hay Festival, winner of the 2020 Princess of Asturias Award, and in collaboration with the Diputación de Segovia, offered a "Musical Journey from the Renaissance to the 21st Century", and was presented by Mr. Eric Lawrie, Acting Director of British Council Spain.
The carefully curated programme was a testament to the versatility and skill of the musicians, including students, alumni, and teachers from the school. The concert opened with Michael Praetorius' "Pavane de Spaigne", transporting us to the elegance of the Renaissance, while later performances, such as J.C. Bach's Concerto for Viola in C Minor, with Sefa Lafarga as soloist, and Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto in C Major RV 443, featuring Carlos Castañón, demonstrated the mastery of Baroque music. Also noteworthy were performances by guitarist Juan Abad, who delivered an impeccable rendition of Vivaldi's Concerto in D Major for Guitar and String Orchestra, and pianist Gonzalo de la Hoz, who moved the audience with the second movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467.
As the programme progressed, the audience witnessed a gradual transition to more modern styles. Carolina Casillas Sobrini captivated with her vocal performance of "Me cuesta tanto olvidarte", by José María Cano, a classic of Spanish pop. The fusion with jazz and contemporary music became evident with pieces such as "You & Me" (arranged by Meute) and "Backrow Politics" by Gordon Goodwin, which energised the hall with the powerful performance of the British Council School Big Band. The day concluded with the electrifying "Vivaldinho" by A. Ocaña, which left the audience in a state of total excitement. The event was brought to a close by Mercedes Hernández Estrada, Director of the British Council School.
The concert ended on a high note with an encore: the famous March No. 1 in D Major, Op. 39, "Pomp and Circumstance" by Edward Elgar, in a magnificent arrangement by N. Hare. This iconic British anthem was the perfect farewell to an afternoon that celebrated music in all its forms.
This event was made possible thanks to the effort and dedication of the British Council School team. In addition to the directors of the orchestra and the Big Band, Rafael Villanueva and Pablo Castaño respectively, special mention should be made of Lucía García, coordinator of the Music21 programme, and Marek Dabrowski, the school's Music Leader, for their crucial roles in organising the event.
This concert was not only a display of musical prowess but also of the core values the British Council School instils in its students: teamwork, resilience, loyalty, and commitment. The diversity of the repertoire, ranging from Renaissance music to contemporary and jazz, reflected the school’s bicultural mission, contributing to strengthening ties between British and Spanish cultures.
In conclusion, it was an unforgettable evening, full of passion and dedication from all the musicians, who succeeded in moving and thrilling an audience that responded with long applause and standing ovations, underlining the success of this ambitious musical endeavour.