Gala Concert at St George's, Bristol

On Tuesday the very best of the Churchill Academy Music Department instrumentalists along with the Chamber Choir had the opportunity to perform in the world class acoustic of St George's, Bristol.  The concert is a celebration of young talent in the area giving the the winners of our Churchill Music Young Musician of the Year 2020 the privilege of playing in the most amazing venue alongside equally talented musicians from Bristol Cathedral Choir School and the winner of the Tom Eveson award (this years winner was Timothy Mitchell from South Gloucester).  

We are very grateful to St George's for this annual invitation to take part in such a special evening set up for us by our valued partners Churchill Music (who were also awarded the St George's Prize for Music 2019 during the evening for their amazing work promoting music in the Churchill area and well beyond).

Our two overall CYMOTY winners flautist Maisie Slingsby (CMYOTY instrumental prize), vocalist Naomi Blowers (Ursula Dornton singers prize) were joined by pianist John Skeen (Audience prize winner), clarinetist Chloe Phipps (Junior prize winner) and Bella Dorrington (Raymond Hayter song prize).  Inspired by the brilliant acoustic and atmosphere of St George's they all seemed to go up another two or three notches and performed brilliantly.  They were worthy participants in an extremely high quality concert which showed what amazing young musicians the local area can boast.  

Also taking part in the concert was the Academy Chamber choir and their choir director, Paul Harrison, ranked their performance during the evening as one of the top five he has had the pleasure of conducting over the last 30 years or so!!!  The evening finished off with an absolutely stunning joint performance of "Ubi Caritas" (Ola Gjeilo) by the Churchill Academy Chamber Choir and BCCS's Chamber Choir.  BCCS Music Department are good friends of Churchill Academy Music Department and this brilliant finish highlighted the standards both departments not only aspire to but achieve.  A fitting way to finish such an impressive evening.  Just brilliant!  

Mr Harrison