Last Sunday (20th March), over 140 Xaverian College students, alumni and staff returned to the world-famous Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) for a night of captivating music performances, as part of their annual Easter concert.
A highlight within Manchester’s musical calendar, the Easter concerts gives students the chance to get on stage and share their talents with the local community.
Adam Scaife, who won the Colleges ‘Young Musician of the Year’ Competition earlier this academic year, performed a solo recital of Trumpet Concerto in Eb – J. Haydn in the first half of the concert. Adam said: “I have been playing trumpet for over 10 years now and nothing beats the opportunity to play solo live on stage – it’s exhilarating!
“Music has always been a huge part of family life. It is great that I get to do something I love every day and the support from the College has really helped me excel. I have refined my skills and gained knowledge of how the industry works through experiences like this, which gives me confidence that I am prepared for whatever the future holds.”
Adam joined the College in 2020, after completing his GCSEs at St Damian’s RC Science College. Adam is currently studying A Level History and Music and BTEC Music Technology, and is due to progress to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire this September.
Students, Lydia-Faith Smith and Will Philpotts brought sophistication, style, and comedy as the concert’s comperes and other performances throughout the evening included:
- Big Band – Directed by Andrew Levendis
- Flute Group – Directed by Jennifer Dyson
- Brass Band – Directed by Mike Cavanagh
- Clarinet Group – Directed by Ben Pinto
- Soul Band – Directed by Ged Marciniak
- String Orchestra – Directed by Duncan Reid
- Xaverian College Concert Choir – Directed by Ged Marciniak
- Percussion Ensemble – Directed by Joe Luckin
- Chamber Choir – Directed by Ged Marciniak
- Xaverian Orchestra – Directed by Andrew Levendis
The College was joined by The Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester, Councillor Tommy Judge, The Lady Mayoress, Carole Judge and the Deputy Director of Education at the Diocese of Salford, Peter Moore. Peter commented: “I was absolutely blown away by the professional standard of the concert and had a fantastic evening. I’ve been telling anyone and everyone who will listen about their talent, and I came away inspired and humbled by the performances of the amazing young people and their dedication. It was the perfect Sunday evening of entertainment. The students are a credit to the College, themselves and certainly to Catholic education.”
Andrew Levendis, Director of Music, said: “After two-years of virtual performances it was fantastic to be back at the RNCM. We have one of the biggest music departments in the country and we encourage students to be flexible with their sound, enabling them to gain a variety of skills. It’s why we’re able to put together such a wide range of performances at our concerts – our students are multi-talented! The curriculum is designed to prepare students for industry and delivered in partnership with numerous businesses and independent musicians, next week we have a full-day masterclass with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
“I don’t think I could pick just one highlight, the entire concert was brilliant, however I am incredibly proud that we are able to provide a handful of students, that have applied to study with us in September, a chance to perform on stage with us. They were all really excited, and it was a great taster of what to expect as they start their journey with us. Well done everyone!”
The concert hall filled with applause as the Xaverian Orchestra officially closed the evening with a remarkable performance of Gladiator – H. Zimmer.
Teresa Dervin, Chair of Governors, added: “Both staff and students at Xaverian College are a real inspiration. It was great to see our community of musicians performing together and the big smiles on their face at the end of the night. All of their hard work has paid off – it was a wonderful evening, and I am already looking forward to the next one!”
Music is a deeply valued aspect of the culture at Xaverian College and whether students are on a music course of simply want to play, there is an opportunity to join a number of thriving ensembles and practice in outstanding facilities.
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit Xaverian.ac.uk – Explore Your Future!
