HRO Summer Concert 2025
Headington Rye’s 2025 Summer Concert started with a bang (or indeed a shot!) with Headingtones’ refreshing rendition of ‘My Shot’ from Hamilton, directed by the recently installed Head of Singing, Kari Moffatt.
Sinfonietta followed, with an energetic performance of Eleanor Rigby and Heinrich Biber’s eccentric ‘Battalia’, featuring Reese (Year 8) on harpsichord and an impressive display of virtuosity from concert leader Yi-Qing (Year 9).
Brass Ensemble offered a change of pace with their relaxed ‘Empty Ballroom Blues’, followed by Soul Train with their genuinely moving rendition of ‘What Was I Made For?’ by Billie Eilish and a vibrant performance of Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’.
Rounding off the first half were Stringendo, featuring some audience participation in Meghan Trainor’s ‘All about that Bass’ and finishing with a stirring medley from ‘Wicked’.
The second half began with a beautiful composition by Korean-American composer Soon Hee Newbould, performed by the String Orchestra.
Guitar Ensemble followed with a varied program, performing ‘If I were a Rich Man’ from ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and the theme from ‘Hawaii Five-O’.
The film music theme continued with Flute Ensemble’s atmospheric performance of ‘Feather Theme’ from ‘Forrest Gump’.
‘Blackbird’ and ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ were performed by the Chamber Choir who delighted the audience with their well-tuned close harmony.
Symphony Orchestra brought the concert to a close with lesser-known classical composer Marianna Martines’ elegant ‘Sinfonia in C’, and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz from Suite for Jazz Orchestra no.2, featuring impressive solos from a variety of students.
Hayley (Year 10) delighted us with a skilful trumpet solo, followed by a series of sparkling violin solos performed by Kaylie, Yi-Qing and Victoria.
Director of Performing Arts Mrs Aimee Jamison said: “Thank you to all our fantastic musicians for performing so professionally on one of the hottest evenings of the term!”
