Every pupil from Durham School took to the stage at Durham Cathedral last week for the Durham School Festival of Music.
This year, the long running musical extravaganza featured every child from the school as well as performances from some of the School’s top solo performers.
The festival is a competition between Durham School’s five houses, each of which performed four pieces: one solo performance, one small group performance, a whole house song and, given the venue of the competition, a whole house hymn.
This year’s contest was adjudicated by Rev. Mark Mawhinney. Mark, who studied music at St Andrew’s University, Durham University and The Royal College of Music, is no stranger to Durham Cathedral.
The former member of the Durham School music staff was ordained this earlier this year after completing his theological training at Oxford University.
Roger Muttitt, Durham School’s Director of Music said, “The Festival is a hugely anticipated event in the Durham School calendar and we welcomed an audience of well over 1000.
“Aside from the competition, the evening showcased the talents of some of our finest musicians and singers. Musical activities explore the full range of abilities; as an all-Steinway school we have an excellent reputation for fine piano students and tuition, while also catering for a huge range of instrumental and vocal interests.
“This is the first time the Festival has taken place in the Cathedral and the evening was a huge success.”