Whitgift's Autumn Collection Concert

Music enthusiasts gathered at Fairfield Halls for the annual Autumn Collection Concert on Wednesday 29 November 2023. The event showcased various Whitgift ensembles, including the Corps of Drums, Whitgift Brass, Chamber Orchestra, Whitgift Strings, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, and First Form Choir. 

The Autumn Collection stands as a testament to the strong bonds within the Whitgift community. 1,300 pupils from local primary schools were warmly welcomed to witness the morning session of the concert before the second performance took place in the evening. 

Adding a special touch to the concert, the First Form Choir treated the audience to a delightful medley of songs from the renowned musical Oliver! The choir was joined by Year 6 pupils from Cumnor House School for Boys and Elmhurst Prep School for the first time, fostering and reinforcing the strong sense of community that Whitgift values. 

The repertoire of the evening spanned a diverse range of musical genres, featuring classical pieces by composers such as Vivaldi, Strauss, and Von Weber. Alongside these, Whitgift Brass infused energy with an upbeat rendition of Don’t Stop Me Now, while the Jazz Band got everyone grooving to Uptown Funk. 

Mr Henderson (Director of Music) commented “It is a delight to be here tonight at Fairfield Halls, at the heart of the Croydon community, in a wonderful venue worthy of its international reputation. Whitgift has performed annual concerts here for many years and I am thrilled to be involved myself for the first time.”  

Congratulations are extended to all 340 students who contributed to the success of this monumental concert.