Term 4 Pop-Up Concert

The last pop-up lunchtime concert of the year took place on Friday the 10th of November at second break just outside the drama cabin. There was a strong buzz in the air, and excitement building as Key Stage 2 children bolted over during the starting announcements.

There were a multitude of gentle, calming pieces, a stark contrast to the loud, joyful screams of children and the buzz of break time. The musical showcase began with Inaya’s piece, Love Yourself, on guitar. She kept her focus throughout the piece despite the breaktime buzz and gave a gentle, melodious performance that left the audience soothed and mesmerised. Inaya was able to set a perfect atmosphere for the musical pieces that were to follow.

Shanie’s piano piece, Sign of the Times, was incredible. A gentle, emotional and enchanting performance that grabbed the attention of onlookers who initially weren’t in the crowd. The song brought about such peace, you really wouldn’t think it was about the end of the world. The crowd erupted into an applause as she finished, clearly engaged with every performance that took the stage. And of course, incredibly enthusiastic about the original artist, Harry Styles, whom announcer Daniel didn’t seem to know! This stirred up quite strong emotions amongst the young audience.

The string of peaceful musical pieces continued as Keira took to the stage, performing Süße Träumerei, or ‘Sweet Reverie’ in English. Struggling to say that in your head? Don’t worry, so did Daniel, though he got the pronunciation right in the end. Keira’s piece was incredibly soothing, so soothing that even I was almost put into a sweet dream. It was an incredibly tranquil piece, and once Keira had finished, she walked off stage with a content smile as the audience clapped.

The last performance of the year was introduced with thunderous cheer and applause; Sithu took to the drums to perform Steve Lacy’s, Dark Red, her playing and beat matched by the audience who clapped along throughout the song. A clear audience favourite, Sithu’s performance was met with a standing ovation, the front row of children who had been gazing up excited by her performance hopping to their feet and clapping wildly.

This was a wonderful, musical way to end off the pop-up concerts this year and a total treat for before exams! All the performers should be very proud, and know that their soothing pieces had me half asleep in my last lesson of the day after break. I’m sure everyone who attended will be able to carry the energy that was in the venue that day through this stressful time, and do their very best.

-By Georgia

Photos by Amina and Kiara