A select audience of family members, friends and staff were privileged to attend the A-level recitals of Selena and John (U6) earlier this week. Both pupils showcased their skill and versatility as performers. John presented a varied programme comprising three items: two as a vocalist and one at the piano. From Les Misérables, “Empty chairs at empty tables” was sung with the appropriate passion of the character Marius, who reminisces about friends he has lost. (We won’t share any more plot spoilers from our upcoming show here!) John’s piano piece then transported us to the jazz club; his playing had real flair. Ending with “I love Betsy” from Honeymoon in Las Vegas, the audience was trying hard not to tap feet or make a sound during the performance, caught up in John’s characterful rendition of this optimistic stage number.
Selena too sang from Les Misérables. She gave us an extract from some of the beautiful, lyrical melodies belonging to the character Cosette and did so with elegance. Selena’s selection of items also included “Don’t you worry ’bout a thing”, made famous by legend Stevie Wonder, along with Gershwin’s “Someone to watch over me” and “She used to be mine” by Sara Bareilles from Waitress: The Musical. Selena carried the audience on an emotional journey, starting with the uplifting message of positivity in Stevie Wonder’s 1974 classic, through the overwhelming power of love and ending on an exploration of the bitter hardships of someone losing their sense of self and struggling with change. It was a wonderful selection, sung with real heart… a tear or two was shed!
Congratulations John and Selena – it was a special moment and a real treat for us all.
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