Music is a key element of education at Ardingly College and we maintain a proud tradition of musical excellence. In recent years the Music Department has sustained a steady period of growth and now has a fine reputation. More than 400 instrumental lessons are taught each week by 30 experienced specialist musicians, and academic music lessons are offered in all years. Generous Music Scholarships are available and for the scholar there are many opportunities to perform at a high level.
There is a full music programme each year with opportunities for students to perform in informal and major choral and orchestral concerts. Master classes are arranged throughout the year and recent visitors have included Paul Spicer, Professor of Choral Conducting at the Royal College of Music, and the vocal octet Voces8. The College has also been the venue for a series of professional concerts, Music @ Ardingly, over recent years.
Ensembles include the 60-strong Chapel Choir, the Schola Cantorum, the Symphony Orchestra, the Jazz Band and numerous chamber music groups. The aim is to cater for the musical ability of all pupils from preliminary to post grade 8 standard. The Chapel Choir has performed at various venues both at home and abroad, and makes regular visits to cathedrals, including St George's Chapel, Windsor, Winchester Cathedral and Chichester Cathedral.
The department is housed in a professionally equipped, purpose-built Music School, including a recital room and state of the art music technology studio.
Welcome to the third season of Music@Ardingly. As usual, we are offering an exciting and ambitious range of concerts featuring artists of the highest calibre in the unique setting of the College Chapel.
We are particularly privileged to play host to the illustrious ensemble The Sixteen this year. They perform regularly in top international events, including the BBC Proms and Salzburg Festival, and in such world-class venues as Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, Vienna's Musikverein and The Sydney Opera House. We think this will put Ardingly College firmly on the musical map!
In addition to The Sixteen, we are delighted to welcome back Voces8 for their third visit. The Queene's Concert is guaranteed to offer a fascinating evening of early music, and David Briggs's dazzling skills of improvisation are sure to provide a thrilling concert.
As usual, all the events are open to Ardingly pupils, parents, staff and the general public. Single concert tickets are available, or a substantial saving can be made by purchasing a season ticket. Ardingly students may attend the first three concerts free of charge. We greatly look forward to welcoming you back to Ardingly College.
