Pupils and staff from ten schools from across Bristol, Keynsham, South Gloucestershire and Bath got the school year off to a spectacular start by performing their own Oratorio at Bath Forum.
The schools taking part were Wellsway School, IKB Academy, Sir Bernard Lovell Academy, Bedminster Down School, Chandag Junior, The Meadows Primary Schoo, Saltford CofE, St John’s CofE, Cheddar Grove and Wansdyke Primary School.
The musical piece by Phil Dixon was composed for the Futura Learning Partnership. Phil began last year by visiting Year 10 music classes at Bedminster Down, Sir Bernard Lovell and Wellsway schools, to come up with initial compositional ideas. He then went away and arranged the melodies and chord progressions into the Futura Oratorio. The piece, entitled Avona, was based on the myth of how the river Avon got its name.
The performance, conducted by Phil, involved more than 400 children aged seven to 18, who formed two primary choirs, a senior choir and an orchestra. They were supported by 40 staff members.
The event was organised by Futura Learning Partnership’s director of music Ingrid McLean. She said, “It was a fabulous occasion. We nearly filled the venue and received a standing ovation at the end.
“For many of the students it was the first time they had sung with an orchestra, so it was a wonderful experience in a special setting. It is important to us to make sure our students have the opportunity for quality music making; working collaboratively enables us to achieve this. Already staff and students have been suggesting doing more activities like this … watch this space!
Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, added, “After more than two years of restrictions, it was fantastic for children and staff from our schools to be able to come together and perform this unique and brilliant Oratorio. I was so proud of them all. It was a night that will live long in the memory.”