On a chilly Sunday in November, boys from Forms I through VI gathered with their families in the Chapel for the start of the first instrumental concert of the year. From duets to trios, ensembles to soloists, the Fall Concert offered only a glimpse of the shining musical talent at school this year. To start things off, the Orchestra performed arrangements of “Dance” (from Snow Maiden) and “Russian Sailors’ Dance” (from The Red Poppy). The ensemble was followed by the Jazz Combo and five dexterous soloists, Abe Tolkoff (Piano), Juan Carlos Fernandez del Castillo (Piano), Nicholas Gallo (Violin), Coleman Walsh (Viola), and Austin Kwoun (Violin). Joined by a few Upper Schoolers, the Middle School Jazz Band performed a buoyant rendition of “Take the ‘A’ Train”, with Armin Thomas and George Hu performing solo pieces afterward.
After the success of last year’s Piano Trio (Austin Kwoun, Spencer Kim, and George Hu), this year the audience was treated to the returning trio, the Brandenburg Trio (Andrew Kaneb, Didier Luceus, and Armin Thomas), and a piano duet by Armin Thomas and George Hu. Finally, the Upper School Jazz Band performed “Shiny Stockings” before ending the concert with a thrilling rendition of “Tiger San Pedro.”
With such great talent showcased in only the first concert of the year, clearly, the Fall Concert is only the beginning of what will be an impressive year for the music program at Belmont Hill.
