Doing QE proud in Prague! Musicians excel on summer tour

Thirty pupils from Years 7–11 headed east for a three-day summer Music tour, performing in some of the Czech Republic’s most beautiful and historic venues.

QE’s specially formed Prague Tour Choir sang in three churches over three days, with the choristers and other musicians mastering more than 20 separate pieces of music.

Their repertoire was hugely diverse, with composers who spanned the centuries – from Antonio Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart through to Victor Johnson, born exactly 300 years after Vivaldi, in 1978.

Director of Music Ruth Partington said: “These pupils gave three outstanding performances, which were warmly received and which reflected the hard work, commitment and musical excellence of those involved.

“The tour was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop their musical skills, perform for international audiences and create lasting memories. It was a truly rewarding experience that celebrated the talent, enthusiasm and dedication of QE’s young musicians, who represented the School with pride throughout the trip.”

First on the itinerary was the 13th-century Gothic St Giles Church in in Nymburk – a small town near the capital. As in all three concerts, the choir began with Peter Jones’ Glory to God and ended their programme with Gloria Fanfare by Sally Albrecht.

On the two subsequent days, the boys performed at Hartigova Church and amid the Baroque magnificence of St Nicholas Church, both in Prague.

In addition to the choir’s performances, the concerts featured solo vocalists, pianists and organists, as well as the Junior Barbershop singing Minneapolis-based Andrew Parr’s arrangement of the American folk song, Shenandoah.

The tour party also explored many of Prague’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, including Prague Castle, Petřín Tower, the Old Town and Charles Bridge, Prague Zoo, the Prague State Opera and the historic fortress of Vyšehrad.

“These visits gave pupils the opportunity to experience the city’s rich history, architecture and culture, while enjoying time together beyond the concert stage,” added Miss Partingon, who accompanied the tour party, together with Assistant Heads of Music Caroline Grint and Jas Hutchinson-Bazely.

Click on the thumbnails below to view the images. 

• To watch a parent-compiled YouTube playlist of the tour, click here.