GCSE and A Level Music Trip to The Ulster Hall

On the evening of Friday 11th November, a number of Grosvenor’s enthusiastic GCSE and A Level Music students embarked on a worthwhile and enjoyable visit to the Ulster Hall, as part of the Ulster Orchestra’s Post Primary ‘Education Initiative’ for schools throughout Northern Ireland. The concert was recorded live for BBC Radio 3 and presented by John Taol from BBC Radio Ulster’s ‘Classical Connections’.

The performance at the Ulster Hall included ‘Bacewicz’s Overture for Orchestra’, Dvorák’s Symphony No.9 - ‘From the New World’ and ‘Concerto for Orchestra’ by Bartók. The latter piece is on the A Level Music specification. It was deemed of particular importance to enhance pupils’ learning and experience a live performance of the famous orchestral work.

The Ulster Orchestra was conducted on the night by Daniele Rustioni - one of the most compelling conductors of symphonic works of his generation. Grosvenor music students were particularly proud to see former pupils Scott Lowry (violin) and Andrew Douglas (flute/piccolo) playing in the orchestra.

Members of the Ulster Orchestra commented after the concert that it was great to experience the ‘buzz’ in the Ulster Hall, performing to a full house with such a youthful audience, and to receive a standing ovation.

The Grosvenor students, accompanied by Head of Music Miss Foster as well as fellow music teacher Mr Arnold, thoroughly enjoyed the evening and were inspired by the professionalism of the Ulster Orchestra on stage.

Some of Grosvenor’s GCSE and A Level Music students at The Ulster Hall on the evening of Friday 11th November.