2011 – 2012

In Tune With Heaven which is the singing of regular singing in primary schools is on the choral services in the Chapel. Our increase, as people realise the I write this as we return from a very boys receive financial assistance educational value of this activity, successful tour of the Netherlands, towards an excellent all-round and although the repertoire is more where Chapel Choir gave concerts education at the Pilgrims School, likely to be secular than sacred, we in some of the very finest buildings and the opportunity to learn two must be grateful that youngsters are over there: in Haarlem, Leiden, instruments and to sing with being given the opportunity to sing. Gouda and Dordrecht. Touring for experienced young ‘back row’ It is therefore essential that our choirs is essential. It not only singers, many of whom have been cements into place both choral foundations continue to choristers and Quiristers nourish and foster high musical relationships and musical themselves, and who often go on to standards, but it also takes abroad standards: the work of choristers the take up choral scholarships at world over is beyond value and our heritage, and the very precious university. They get the chance to English choral tradition which is so culturally and educationally vital. tour, to record and to broadcast on envied the world over. The magical triangle of great music national TV and radio. It is a sung in great buildings as part of While we were in Holland, I was tradition which feeds itself and is worship is indeed a potent force. interviewed for a National Christian passed on to others. Our Quiristers are receiving an newspaper about my work at That culture does not exist in education which is second to none, and as a Holland except in two places, and and which teaches them many composer, conductor and organist. singing in choirs over there is a very important life skills in addition to The one question which fascinated much more part-time activity. There musical skills. It is indeed wonderful my interviewers was whether it is are very few boys’ choirs, and those that this is being recognised in a possible to achieve the same high that do exist do not rehearse as College development campaign standards of singing with Dutch often as our boys do. I had to admit which includes the Quiristers and children that we can achieve in our to my newspaper interviewer, that, the safeguarding of their future. British choral foundations. My even in , boys singing in The standing ovations which we immediate response was to say, parish church choirs is on the received for Chapel Choir’s singing ‘yes, of course, in theory, since decline, and many parish choirs are in Holland emphasised the high children are the same the world now boys and girls, and some girls regard which the rest of the world over and, on the whole, they enjoy alone. Of course, many cathedrals has for the English Choral tradition, singing’. However, on thinking now have a girls’ choir in addition to and our chance to share our further about this question, I the boys’ choir, and this has been a expertise with other nationalities considered the infrastructure and wonderful enriching of the tradition and cultures must be a crucial part cultural traditions which have without putting the boys’ choirs at of our work and our privilege. enabled us to reach the standards risk. of singing so accepted as the norm Malcolm Archer, in this country. For instance, at It would indeed be a sad day if the Director of Chapel Music Winchester College, the wisdom of only places where boys’ choirs exist has ensured are cathedrals and collegiate that boys have been singing in the foundations, but already, that is choir for well over 600 years, and becoming the case. In a post- their expertise is handed down from Christian society, church going is one generation of boys to another. not a priority and boys are more We have the advantage of a likely to be playing in weekend structure for the boys which involves soccer teams than singing in a daily rehearsals, and a raison d’ être church choir. On the positive side,

Quirister Prizes 2010 – 2011 The Gordon Rule Cup for Head Quirister James Mathews The Corrie Cup for the Quirister who has contributed most to the life of the School Luke Berry The Dennis Lee Prize for the best all round Quirister of the Year Frederick Hervey-Bathurst The Coulson Cup for any junior member of the choir who shows sustained effort Johnny Woodman The Simon Beechey Prize for solo singing James Mathews The John Weekes Prize for the most promising soloist Jasper Wigley The Robertson Prize for all-round contribution to the choir Peter Waters The Stenning Cup for the most improved musical ability Wilfie Bentley The Ford-Sagers Cup for instrumental work James Flory The Sever Cup for the outstanding Quirister sportsman James Flory The Q School Cup for the boy who has contributed most to life at Q School Matthew Iddeson

Head Quirister (2011-2012) Peter Waters Second Quirister (2011-2012) Myles Docherty

Paddy Watson (Master of Quiristers and Headmaster of The Pilgrims’ School) I have been asked on a number of occasions about things which have surprised me during my first year and without doubt the wonderful part the Quiristers play in the lives of the two Schools is high on the list. Before taking up – in fact I think it was even before applying for – my post, I remember being invited by Cathy Townsend to join her for Compline one Saturday evening and I have to say I had my breath taken away: I knew a little of the tradition, that this office had been being sung continuously and according to the will (in both senses of the word) of William of Wykeham for some six hundred years but little could I have imagined the sublime power of that calm, gentle, reflective act of worship in the Chantry Chapel. Since then I have also joined the boys who sing in the College Chapel Choir with present Wykehamists and the wonderful and gifted Malcolm Archer for Evensongs, Eucharists and of course their marvellous outings to local churches and groups where they not only sing from the Anglican repertoire but also a lively range of secular songs. On all occasions, accompanied or not, the boys are a complete credit to themselves, a source of delight and admiration for those who come to hear their music. They are a professional choir; they are a happy choir; they clearly love their music too and in amongst the many expressions of gratitude I would most certainly add my own as their prep school Headmaster not only for the music itself but also for the awareness of history and beauty the boys bring into our community. Oh – and they’re pretty nifty and make a good sound whizzing about in the yard on their scooters too! They are a joy and it is an honour and a privilege to be part of the Foundation.

Steve Leslie (New Quirister Housemaster) After working at Pilgrims’ School for the past five years as Assistant Housemaster and Head of Geography, I am thoroughly looking forward to the privilege of becoming Housemaster at Q School from September. My background is in Outdoor Education; starting in 1993 I worked for many years in residential centres, as well as teaching in more conventional classrooms - Q Housemaster will neatly distil the most rewarding parts of these two responsibilities. There are many aspects of the role that will make this an exciting one, whether continuing to maintaining the standards set by Andy Shedden, supporting the impressive musical tradition or just the opportunity to be more closely involved with the unique group of boys that is the Quiristers and, of course, with Malcolm Archer. In particular, my family’s closer association with Q School, I am sure, will bring us many happy times, now and in the future.

Page 2

A goodbye from the Quirister Andy has really dedicated his time ...his endless patience, his respect Parents to Andy Shedden towards James - and all the boys. for the boys and, in turn, their (Quirister Housemaster) He always has a cheery smile, lively respect for him. His faith in the conversation and really does look boys and their trust of him. His Andy Shedden will become for the best individual achievement sense of humour in caring for them Registrar at Winchester College in of each boy under his care, which is whilst retaining discipline. He September 2012 the epitome of good teaching seems to allow them to have fun but practice. never be out of control. The boys seem to find him completely Andy Shedden, primarily, as a most He faces problems head on and impressive registrar, was approachable whenever they have deals with them discreetly and any sort of problem, big or small responsible for our move from firmly. St John’s College School, (and no problem is deemed too Cambridge to Pilgrims’ School. Claire McBratney small). Finally, his championing of the Quiristers and fighting their Andy has looked after two Q Andy was there for Tomas and our corner when they need it fought for! Docherty boys. His care of them family whilst I was having cancer Always understanding their has been first class. He has been commitments and looking for the both mentor and friend. He treatment; he was a rock and gave total support and kindness. We are good in the boy. commands the utmost respect from so grateful to him for helping us the boys as he is regarded as fair, Rosie Bentley through that time. and fun. Eleanor Fane Andy is there in lieu of a parent and Andy is always there for the boys we all know the myriad jobs that and their families, to support involves! If I had to sum up my through difficult times and to One’s heart cannot be anything but feelings and thanks, I would celebrate successes. His care of open when thinking of Andy highlight for the fantastic care and the Quiristers has been thorough Shedden. Not only is he totally understanding he has of the boys and supportive, whether through the devoted to the boys, but his and of the job that they do, not weekly schedule of services, boundless love, service and forgetting also the support he gives outside concerts or on tour. generosity encompass all the them, the family atmosphere he has Seemingly never flustered and Quirister families too. From day created at Q School and always smiling. We are lucky he is one, at the initial audition, until now, his cheerfulness. Kieran has never not going far...... several years later, with unfailing good humour, Andy has been a once complained of having to board Emma Docherty constant source of support and and settled in very quickly to a huge encouragement. life change: this must be in large I'd like to thank Andy for looking part due to Andy's approach as In expressing our gratitude to Andy, after us so well when Teddy started Housemaster. our thoughts turn to Sarah Shedden at the Pilgrims'. The week before Andy will be greatly missed and we the choral assessment day we had too, discreet but ever present! And we thank her for her devotion, feel very fortunate that someone so never even heard of Quiristers and warmth and gentleness. dedicated has played such a special he held our hands very well. I part in our son's life. would also like to thank him for his Our deepest thanks and all good Karen Mackison unfailing good humour. We will all wishes for the future. miss him but wish him many happy Clara Waters years in his new role at Winchester Andy was instrumental in our boys College. leaving their school in London and coming to Pilgrims’ when he was Lucy Menard the Pilgrims’ Registrar. He kept in regular touch throughout the admissions process, gave us good insight into each boy and convinced us it was the right choice. He has been a superb Housemaster at Q School. Jasper consistently tells us how much he trusts and values Andy's opinion.

Always energetic, positive and supportive, Andy will be really missed by both our boys and by us! Good luck Andy!

Sarah Wigley

Page 3

Q Reviews St Mary's Church, Broughton BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year Competition Winchester College and Eton 15 October 2011 24 October 2011 13 October 2011 It had been a glorious late summer day. Arriving in the picturesque We were all delighted when Peter Another glorious joint service with the English village of Broughton as the Waters secured a place in the final of Choir. As with the sun set, we were handed a glass of the BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of recent four-choir service, there were wine outside of the church just as the the Year competition. The final was moments when I thought the roof was chill of the clear evening settled on held at the church of going to lift off particularly during the our shoulders. We took our places in St Martin-in-the-Fields, and the Anthem - ‘Blessed City’ (Bairstow); the beautiful 13th century church of judges were the composer John which produced wonderful contrasts St Mary. The pews filled. The chatter Rutter, record producer Steve Abbott of largesse and grandeur with of the audience subsided as the and Decca recording artist Laura romantic moments of peace. Quiristers took their places. Wright. Starting with the old version of the The simple melodic line of the Kyrie Peter sang very well and looked as Confession reminded me of when I from ‘Messe Basse’ (Faure) started though he enjoyed the experience, grew up in the village choir. I learnt the recital, giving way to the brighter and although he did not win, John the service by ear - wondering for colours and warmth of the Sanctus' Rutter said that the standard of years what ‘glost sheep’ were (we two part harmony. The young Louisa performance from all the finalists was have erred and strayed from thy ways and Byron Adlam, both on violin, exceptionally high, and that it is a like ‘glost’ sheep). Psalm 69 to a played the sprightly ‘Kegelstadt Duos, great accolade to get as far as the Barnby chant gave the organist the K487’ (Mozart). The playing was final in such a prestigious competition. chance to bring out the full range of secure and assured, delighting the Malcolm Archer their very fine instrument which has audience. some great reeds and a swell which is perfect for choral accompaniment - The Quiristers performed 'The Call’ providing a rich sound which the box (Vaughan Williams); confident and Evensong at contains or fully releases as bright singing, beautifully articulated Merton College Chapel necessary to produce the volume and 'A Grateful Heart' (Plumstead), 8 November 2011 required by the text. Everyone had a softer in hue and sung with feeling. chance to belt out the Office Hymn The hectic dash between What followed was simply bicycles, puddles and tourists was ‘Ye Holy Angels Bright’. We all of astonishing. 'Ferdinand the Bull' course know Smith's responses inside more than rewarded by the tranquillity (Ridout) - a show piece for a and beauty of the evening ahead. out. Ending with my favourite showman. Adrian Adlam conjured up evensong hymn, ‘The Day Thou The chapel was lit by candles that the story of Ferdinand, the gentle and Gavest, Lord is ended’ providing a were gently reflected in the stained kind-hearted bull. Part spoken, with glass windows dating back to 1274. perfect personal moment of reflection dazzling runs up to sparkling and calm before the rather interesting harmonics on the violin, double- Following a warm welcome from the Prayer of King Henry VI. This turned stopping with gusto, it transfixed the Chaplain, Simon Jones, the Quiristers out to be a full version of some audience. sang beautifully and were a credit to shorter words we hear very often and the school. Notably they sang the in my case didn't know the source of. Tranquillity of sorts returned as the canticles by Batten, followed by the Ending with ‘Carillon Sortie’ (Henri Quiristers tackled 'Friday anthem ‘Abendlied’ (Rheinberger). Mulet) again giving the organist a Afternoon' (Britten). The songs The service concluded with a chance to show off the power within. showed off the Q's swagger, beautiful wonderful organ voluntary, Well done boys – another wonderful phrasing and tightness of harmony. ‘Fantasia in G minor’ (J.S.Bach), performance. Peter Waters sang 'The Lord bless played by Jamal Sutton. Bob Wigley, Q parent (yr 7). you and keep you' (Rutter), with a Ellie Fane, Q parent (yr 5) purity of sound and with excellent

breath control. Overall an assured

performance, accompanied by a bat flying in the rafters! Three of the Qs sang 'The Lily and the Rose' (Chilcott), beautifully tight singing with soft and well blended tone. The recital was rounded off with all of the Qs performing 'Smoke gets in your eyes' and 'Just the way you are' (Kern arr. Archer) – confident sure harmonies to close the evening. Simon Clothier, Q parent (yrs 4&5)

Page 4

Q Reviews Continued... St Matthew’s Church, Blackmoor The Quiristers and Cantores Episcopi of Winchester College, 5 May 2012 Christ Church, Colbury Berrydown Barn The Quiristers gave a wonderful 4 February 2012 27 May 2012 concert at St Matthew’s Church, The concert took place on a freezing Blackmoor last Saturday with Malcolm Berrydown Barn proved to be a cold evening; the snow had begun to Archer directing and conducting and beautiful setting for the final Quirister fall as everyone arrived. The Jamal playing the organ and (a rather concert of the school year. On this atmosphere was made all the more twangy) piano. The repertoire was memorable occasion the Quiristers magical by the fact that the church very broad ranging, opening with a were joined by the a cappella group, was lit and heated solely by candle rather Germanic ‘Bereite dich Zion’ Cantores Episcopi of Winchester light (the result of a timely power cut). (Bach), following with a romantic song College to celebrate Andy Shedden’s The evening proved to be a wonderful by John Ireland, a beautiful Faure 12 years at The Pilgrims’ School. mass (Peter Waters, soloist) and mix of beautiful singing, impromptu After a warm introduction from some Vaughan Williams and Mary pieces played on the piano, and jokes Geoffrey Hammond, where Andy was Plumstead to bring us more up to and puns by Malcolm Archer about likened to Oliver Cromwell (the date. Interspersed between the songs light – or the lack of it! Christ Church, Quiristers great Protector!), Andy Jamal played some lovely organ Colbury is a small Victorian flint and Shedden took to the spotlight to share pieces to give the boys the chance to stone church on the outskirts of the his thanks, appreciation and rest their voices. When they returned, New Forest, and its intimate size memories of his time both at Pilgrims’ the Quiristers’ impressive tone and suited the boys’ clear voices. and as Quirister Housemaster. harmony added real depth and The concert began with a beautiful atmosphere to two Britten songs that The concert was a wonderful mix of rendition of ‘The Angels’ Carol’ are becoming quite a trademark and repertoire, ranging from an opening (Rutter) in which the lyrics ‘He is the concert ended with two beautifully with ‘Bereite Dich Zion’ (Bach), come in peace in the winter stillness arranged Jerome Kern songs. through a journey of English, like a gentle snowfall in a gentle night American and Welsh traditionals, a The Quiristers get up and deliver time … filling the world with radiance and Grease Megamix, Jerome Kern after time with such commitment and light’ began a series of references to favourites and culminating in a joint evident team spirit and it is lovely that light and darkness which occurred Quirister / Cantores venture of every now and again they go out and throughout the evening. ABBA’s Dancing Queen, complete sing for people who do not get to hear with flashing lights and glitter ball! We were then treated to a them regularly. Long applause and spontaneous performance of the lovely comments, not to mention Both the Quiristers and the young Allemande from ‘5th French Suite’ record CD sales were evidence for men from Winchester College were (Bach) for the Harpsichord, the first of how much they were appreciated. on fine form, performing their music three pieces played on the piano by with style, humour and an enormous Andrew Bentley, Q parent (yr 7) Malcolm Archer to fill in for the amount of talent. intended organ pieces (another victim of the power cut). Malcolm’s own The sun shone, Pimms and cucumber Christchurch Mass followed with solos sandwiches were enjoyed and a good by Alexander Clothier and Peter time had by all with proceeds going to Waters. the Andy Shedden Bursary Fund. The second half of the concert saw a Huge appreciation must go to Andrew more secular repertoire. Malcolm’s and Rosie Bentley for providing such rendition of the jazz song ‘I’m a wonderful venue as well as to all beginning to see the light’ had those who worked behind the scenes everyone tapping their feet. But it to create this event. Finally, we wish wasn’t until ‘Light of the World’ Andy much love and success in his (Dankworth) that actual light flooded future role as Registrar of Winchester into the church to reveal the smiling College. faces of the boys when power was Phil & Karen Mackison, Q parents (yr 7) restored. The Quiristers continued the light-hearted feel with romantic renditions of ‘Smoke gets in your eyes’ and ‘Just the way you look tonight’ (both Kern) before launching into their grand finale of ‘My Way’ (Rose) with gutsy solos by Wilfie Bentley and Johnny Woodman. Sophie Armstrong, Q parent (yr 6)

Page 5 Holland Tour – March 2012 We enjoyed magnificent singing throughout the week; Malcolm Archer drew out the best from the boys and dons with beautiful diction, accurate tone and a rich, strong sound. On Sunday afternoon, following a Mass and lunch, the choir contributed to a lovely concert with the choir of St Bavo’s, RC Cathedral. The reception afterwards was generously On Friday 23 March, we left school on open to parents of Quiristers, the a 10 hour coach trip to Holland where choir and Cantores Episcopi. we would be staying for seven days. In Leiden, the second concert was We visited Amsterdam and went to perhaps the best of the tour. It the Anne Frank Museum where we opened with the choir singing saw the spaces that her family and ‘Crucifixus’ (Lotti) in 8 parts, out of another had to live in for two years. sight of the audience at the east end This tour was great fun. There was We also took part in a candle-making of the church. This piece starts from activity, where string had to be the lowest bass followed step by step something for everyone in the activities: such as candle making, the repeatedly dipped in wax until the to the highest treble line. The layers built up to make thick candles. discipline of the choir meant it was train museum in Utrecht, and a sung beautifully in time despite the fanatic trip to Ajax stadium. In central Amsterdam we went on a long reverberation of the sounds The singing was of an amazing guided tour of the Van Gogh around the large church. Johnny quality and the churches had Museum; we followed his stages in art Woodman performed an amazing incredible acoustics. I think the leading up to his death in 1890. descant, soaring up over the choir like audiences enjoyed our singing as we We travelled to the Corpus Museum, a trumpet in ‘Steal Away’. Kieran had a standing ovation at every a truly legendary journey through the Mackinson sang the solo in ‘By and concert! human body, from the knee all the By’ and Jasper Wigley in ‘Deep River’. It was enjoyable singing with other way up to the brain. We were audio There were 11 basses and the sound guided through the body reaching all was full and rich! choirs from the Netherlands such as St. Bavos in Haarlem. As the the major organs. It was great seeing The choir sang in Gouda, where the Quiristers got further into the tour, we what happened to a cheese sandwich church is close to a large marketplace got to know each other even better (bouncing on the tongue!) which is completely open apart from a and made new friendships. Staying We had several performances, the very old and impressive town hall. with host families was interesting as first being a Sunday morning That evening the acoustics were not we got to meet and become part of Eucharist in Haarlem which was as supportive and the choir stood well their family for a few days. Overall, I spoken in Dutch. We performed a forward of any reflective surface. think this trip was a great success. concert in Haarlem and then went on The final concert was held at the Jasper Wigley, Quirister (yr 7) to sing concerts in Leiden, Gouda and Grote Kerk, Dordrecht. The church the protestant church in Dordrecht. has a long echo so Malcolm Archer We sang music from a range of gave a pause at a rest in the beautiful composers, including: Purcell, Byrd, Bruckner piece ‘Christus Factus Est’! Brahms, Bruckner, Ireland, Greene, Their hosts were full of praise for their Lotti and even Michael Tippet, where brilliant performance. The final we sang his five Negro spirituals. standing ovation from the otherwise quiet audience was thoroughly Peter Waters, Quirister (yr 8) deserved. David Waters, Q Parent (yr 8)

Page 6

Q Jottings been invented and the winters David Woolley were markedly (Q, 1950-52 & Coll,1953-57) colder than they now are. This quaint costume was topped off by a cap, of a design which the late Dr. W G Grace would have been recognised Remembered with Advantages immediately. The truth of this Quirister School in the 1950’s implausible David Woolley, front row - first in on the right. My arrival at Quirister School on the description of our couture is attested even now by humiliation, in spite of the fact that the cusp of the twentieth century was an Captain of Cricket in my first year was affair of romance and mild intrigue. the photographs in the hallway at Quirister School. Thayne Forbes, until recently, as the First, the romance; my parents, Honourable Mr Justice Forbes, a finial recently married, and whom I believe Our tutelary deity was John Weekes, on the High Court of Justice, Queen’s to have been poor but honest, visited who presided over an establishment Bench Division. Win. Coll. as no more than tourists, where social intercourse was much some time in the middle 1930’s. I was more formal than it now is. One of the A final tableau; for most of my time in scarcely thought of, but in later years photographs in the hallway of number College the Second Master was Tom my mother claimed to have said to my 64 was taken in Cloister Time 1951. Howarth. Like Ben Jonson with father while they walked round that if Since then I have seen and spoken to Shakespeare, ‘I loved that man, and ever they had a son she wanted him only three of those shown in the hold him in high Regard, this side to go to school there. Then the photo, one of whom is a retired idolatry’. One evening he summoned Luftwaffe arrived, and they thought no Professor of English. More of the me to his study. I obeyed with more of the matter. other two hereafter. Yet I was able to trepidation, supposing that some name all sixteen recently – with the transgression, forgotten by me, had Next, the intrigue. My father was an come to light. I need not have assistant master, though not at surnames by which I invariably addressed them, and they me. worried, for the Second Master was a Winchester. He somehow obtained broken man. That day, he had taken an audience with the Headmaster, We sixteen Quiristers did all our lunch in Quirister School. There, after Walter Oakeshott. Alexander the lessons together in the Schoolroom, Grace, the company sat down, and he Great explained tactfully to Alexander now a gallery. This was a less than engaged his neighbour, a Quirister, in the Coppersmith that you could not ideal arrangement, and the polite conversation, calculated to put a boy’s name down for management took steps to address it. initiate civilised discourse. The rest of Winchester, but that if the lad could In due course two of us, Andrew the room stayed totally silent and, sing there was Quirister School, with Pritchard (Q, 1949-52 & instead of picking up the the prospect, albeit remote, of a Coll, 1952-57), and I, were packed off conversational ball and running with scholarship or exhibition later. As it to JP2, to take our chance with the it, the urchin let out a strangled happened the lad could sing, and I junior men in that less than exalted whimper and remained mute. The arrived at 64 Kingsgate Street in academy. In due course (June 1952) whole meal was served and eaten in Short Half 1950. we both sat Election and both later trappist stillness, until Grace was said Musically speaking the immersion arrived in College, perhaps not wholly again and the two dons and Quirister was sudden and total. First thing after by accident. There we joined Tony Matron left the room, to Tom breakfast the next day there was Coleby (Q, 1945-48 & Coll, 1948-53). Howarth’s intense relief. As the door Saturday morning Chapel, with an It was an historic moment. There had closed behind them mayhem erupted unfamiliar psalm and hymn to be sung been no Old Quirister in College with the violence of a cork from a in a setting of unimagined splendour, literally for centuries and now, there champagne bottle. In a voice choked but with a dark brown roof. It changed were three together. I observe with with emotion, the Second Master to its present magnificence in 1952. satisfaction that the path which we asked me if that excruciating ritual hacked out is now well-trodden. was normal. Assured that it was, he The uniforms we wore would probably sank his face into his hands and his An abiding and painful memory is of inspire shock and awe in a twenty-first shoulders shook. I tiptoed from the our undeviating lack of success on century Quirister. For reasons I do not room, closing the door behind me, the sports field. This was only to be understand even now, we had to wear quietly.* semi-stiff detached collars. Over the expected since cricket and football shirt and its pointless collar we wore a XI’s had to be selected from a squad David Woolley grey flannel suit with short trousers, of sixteen, chosen for musical and * although global warming had not yet academic ability not athletic prowess. Do not overlook the title of this offering. The results were a recurring

Page 7

Chapel Choir & Old Quirister Win Coll with the Quiristers, and in his outstanding performance was a 94 Reunion – 30 June 2012 these straightened times we must do against Tonbridge in his final year. all we can to secure their future. It is History relates that he only fell at the On Saturday 30 June 2012 over 230 also important that the opportunity to last, being caught on the boundary people gathered for the OQ & Chapel be part of this wonderful Quirister while going for a six off the bowling of Choir Reunion. The day started with a tradition is available to any capable a future English Test captain, a young drinks reception, followed by lunch in boy, irrespective of his parent’s Colin Cowdrey. No mean feat I think a marquee in the Warden’s Garden. financial means. The College is you’ll agree.... Following Dulwich Past members of Chapel Choir were embarking upon a campaign to came National Service, spent in then put through their paces by ensure the School can maintain this, Vienna. It was in this period of his life Malcolm Archer, before raising the and help with Quirister bursaries. Do that he first started to go to the opera roof at Evensong. As well as bringing please read the brochure at your and heard great singers such as former members of Chapel Choir leisure and enjoy the CD of the Dietrich Fischer Dieskau perform in together, this event also marked the present day Chapel Choir conducted lieder recitals. These two elements second retirement of Julian Smith. by Malcolm Archer. You will no doubt fostered a life-long love of both Below is a transcript of the speech hear more from the School in due mediums from which we Old made by David Clegg (Q, 1984-87 course - you have been warned! Wykehamists have all benefited. After & G, 1987-92), in Julian’s honour. National Service, Julian headed But my main task in speaking today is home, but not to England, rather up to Ladies and Gentlemen, for those of to recognize, and acknowledge, a Scotland to read music at Edinburgh you who don’t know me, my name is man so embedded in the history of University and it was during his David Clegg and I had the privilege of Winchester College and its singing, undergraduate years that he sang in being a Quirister in the mid-eighties both Chapel Choir and otherwise, that the chorus of Glyndebourne in both and a back row Chapel Choir member he is now approaching his second the 1952 and 1953 seasons. at the beginning of the nineties, and I retirement, a full 20 years after his now teach back here on the singing first. Almost everyone here will be staff at the College. Many of you will aware of the enormous debt the have got an email from me a few College owes to Julian Smith, and it is months ago, encouraging you to fortuitous as Julian reaches this come and attend this wonderful day, amazing milestone, 59 years after and I am thrilled to see so many having joined the staff here at people here. On behalf of the vocal Winchester, that we are gathered to department at the school I would like celebrate an institution that he loves, to welcome you all back to this namely Chapel Choir. In those years reunion event and thank you very he has seen many generations of much for coming. I look forward to us Quiristers and Wykehamists come all dusting off our larynx and the roof and go, and, in a period of time where being raised in Chapel later on, and I the school has seen 7 Headmasters – hope that you are having a lovely time Oakeshott, Lee, Thorn, back in these amazing surroundings. Sabben-Clare, Tate, Cookson and That’s my thanks to you all; my next Townsend - for us he has task is to speak on behalf of all of us been one of the constants of the old Wykehamists and others gathered place. Indeed I have received many here, to offer a big thank you to replies to the invitation for this event Winchester College Society for which specifically mention Julian. One putting this fantastic day on for us, former pupil, who sadly can’t be here and especially David Fellowes, Penny today, said in an email to me ‘I am McPherson and Tamara Templer, mostly sad not to be able to attend to without whom this day simply would give Julian a good send-off: he taught not be happening. For them, and their me singing for my final two years and working staff today we are all greatly these lessons were certainly the most indebted. Before I get to the main part enjoyable and stimulating single of this speech there is just one other period of teaching of any kind that I thing I would like to draw your had during the week’. Quite some attention to. In the bags you were accolade, when you consider the staff given when you arrived you will find that College has always been some literature on the Quirister fortunate enough to attract. Appeal that the College are in the process of launching. While we A man of many parts, Julian began certainly haven’t lured you here to his musical training as a chorister at give you the hard sell we do feel it King’s College, Cambridge working would be a wasted opportunity not to under the conductor and composer, draw your attention to it. All of us Harold Darke. Educated at Dulwich gathered here will be aware of the College, he was a member of the 1st X1 cricket for three years where unique foundation we have here at

Page 8

Chapel Choir & Old Quirister am right in saying that Julian actually lost contact with the ground Reunion Continued... performed every year as a soloist with (which could happen on occasion) all Winchester Music Club from 1953 it would take was a gentle warning Julian almost never made it to until 1994, surely some sort of record look and the modest waving of the Winchester. At the end for a soloist with one choral society? hand from Fiona to bring him back to of Glyndebourne in ’53 he was Julian’s opera career encompassed earth, and we would all breathe a sigh appointed as a junior Music don and some of the great roles suitable for of relief….I know Julian would want singing teacher at the College by his voice and he was fortunate that me to say that Fiona has been the Walter Oakeshott, and the then Winchester College in seventies, bedrock for all his successes, and I Master of Music, Henry Havergal. eighties and nineties staged full scale know he is wonderfully proud of all However another venerable operas and he took part in successive Fiona does, both professionally and establishment, The Royal College of college productions, as The Drunken as a wife, mother and granny. Music, offered him a Foundation Poet in The Fairy Queen, The Cold Scholarship and for Julian it was Genius in King Arthur, Sarastro in The decision time. It is to generations of Magic Flute, Don Fernando in Fidelio Wykehamists’ good fortune that he and, with memorably-dyed brown decided to turn this down and to take hair, the swashbuckling toreador, up his appointment at the College, Escamillo, in Carmen. one of the clinching factors being the Off the stage, and back in real life, Headmaster’s insistence that he should continue his singing studies at Julian had married Fiona in Chapel in the Guildhall School of Music and 1963. Anyone who knows them would Drama with Roy Henderson, who also realize that any speech about Julian taught Kathleen Ferrier. Alongside would not be complete without teaching, and running Chantry Choir mention of Fiona. Julian couldn't have and the Madrigal Society here in done or been everything he brought Winchester, Julian would commute up to Winchester without the constant to London to work further on his own and devoted love of his special voice, receiving the Baritone prize consort. Fiona had an infectious enthusiasm that never wavered, and from the Guildhall and putting the still hasn't to this day. She was not building blocks into place for a wonderful career as a soloist in opera, only there for her husband - upon oratorio, and recitals. For those of you whom she seemed to have a never who never heard Julian sing you can ending crush - she also gave tell in what high esteem he was held wholeheartedly to all the boys he in the music profession by the taught. The two of them make the company he kept on the concert most wonderfully complementary platform, Isobel Baillie, Dame Janet couple and so many of us of all ages Baker, Sir Peter Pears, Wilfred have been fortunate enough to benefit Brown, Alfred Deller, Heather Harper, from their generosity and wisdom as a pair over the years, often hand in Charles Brett – the list goes on, a hand with wonderful parties in veritable Who’s Who of the English singing scene over the years. Meadow House. When Julian got Alongside more far flung venues both angry with the Quiristers , indeed he in the UK and abroad, he was a could become quite heated at times, regular on the concert we, as young boys, would always be circuit, bringing both his solid singing delighted when Fiona would suddenly emerge – perhaps with a sixth sense technique and a formidable stage presence to all performances. I think I that trouble was afoot. When he

Page 9 Chapel Choir & Old Quirister Reunion Continued... Way back in 1966 England not only won the World Cup, but Julian founded Michla Choir for boys in their first two years. Unarguably, as anyone who witnessed the abject penalty attempts of the England football team a few days ago will know, there is only one of these legacies that is still bearing fruit today, he expanded the Qs’ repertoire to by Tony Ayres. Several recordings as witnessed by the fact that Michla encompass not only the great sacred were made both of the Quiristers and still flourishes under our present works performed in Chapel every the Chapel Choir during his tenure in Master of Music. The seventies saw Sunday, but also a whole host of charge, my particular favourite being Julian firmly established as a don of songs from the secular canon – many one of Mozart Salzburg Masses which some twenty years standing, yet still a of my Quirister contemporaries of the made it to The Times Best 10 discs of mere stripling in Winchester don mid-80s and their parents will the year list back in 1990. In his time terms next to commanding figures remember such gems as ‘The White running both Michla and Chapel Choir such as Colin Badcock, Podge Horse Inn’, ‘Danny Boy’, ‘Ca the what Julian offered to his charges Brodhurst and Hubert Doggart. Julian yowes’, and of course ‘Yellow Bird’ was a total commitment to the job and had become a father to two children, which seemed to pop up in most a real love of the music he was Colin and Emma, and not only carried programmes, much to the annoyance performing – no one else other than on teaching singing, A level aural, of the then Headmaster of Pilgrims – Julian could take Congregational running Michla and founding the I’m sure Julian did it on purpose…The Practice – which he did for 30 years – Kingsgate Singers, but he also taught Quiristers went on tours, appearing by with such aplomb, and persuade the German for a time, he ran Printing themselves and also in collaborations whole school, musician or otherwise, Soc, he even ran Mill, and in the with others: notable were the value of singing pieces such as sports department he taught Fencing performances in Britten’s St Nicolas at ‘Worthy is the Lamb’, ‘Widmung’, ‘If and was in charge of Yearlings A St John’s, Smith Square, a tour to with all your hearts ye truly seek me’, cricket for some ten years. One of Holland with The London Handel and Fauré’s ‘Libera Me’. The sounds many memorable victories was the Orchestra directed by Roy Goodman, from these occasions still live with me match away at Eton in 1982, and perhaps most glamorously a and I’m sure many of you, and were celebrating Winchester College’s performance with Winchester made possible only by his energy and Sixth Centenary Year in style. Cathedral Choir and the English charisma. Three years prior to this famous Chamber Orchestra which marked victory, Julian had inherited a the European premiere of Andrew wonderful Chapel Choir from Lloyd Webber’s Requiem in Vienna, Raymond Humphrey and set about with soloists including Placido making it his team, taking the Domingo. Back in Hampshire, as well Quiristers in particular from strength as Grahame Drew’s puppet operas in to strength. In 1981 they won the the sixties, two fully staged Quirister Thames TV competition ‘Fanfare for operas were performed, Robin Hood, Young Musicians’ with Julian’s music by Robert Bottone and arrangement of Schubert’s ‘Nacht und produced by James Sabben-Clare, Träume’, and over the coming years and Figaro and Susanna, produced

Page 10

Chapel Choir & Old Quirister infectious, the twinkle in your eye Reunion Continued... contagious (especially when a lady is around) and your ability to see the To mark Julian’s first retirement in best in everyone and deal with people 1992 I remember a wonderful with sincerity and integrity is a lesson occasion of a coming together of the for us all. We thank you for all you choirs of the Amicabilis Concordia – have given us over the years and look the of Winchester, Eton, forward to seeing you at College New College, Oxford and King’s events in the future. College, Cambridge – to sing Evensong in King’s Chapel. Amongst Old Wykehamists, partners, fellow other things that were performed, members of staff and Chapel Choir Julian conducted choirs 5 and 6 groupies, can I please encourage you of Tallis’ extraordinary 40 part motet to be upstanding and put your hands ‘Spem in Alium’. This service was not together for Julian Smith….. only held to affirm the ‘cordial David Clegg agreement’ between the establishments, but also to honour (Q, 1984-87 & G, 1987-92) someone who had given so much to the life of not one, but two of the foundations, as a King’s chorister for those years in the 1940s, and as a full-time don at Winchester for nigh on 40 years. And here we are in 2012 with Julian having taught another twenty years worth of Wykehamist singers as a visiting music teacher. It is difficult to do justice to Julian’s 59 year tenure here in a speech of this length – the tenor and Old Wykehamist Charles Daniels, on being told how long I had to give the speech worked it out as approximately 1.47 career years per speech second! But suffice to say, Julian’s legacy as a singing teacher and musician is there for all of us to see and hear. In the current season his former pupils are to be found directing and singing in all corners of the globe as well as on stages closer to home. Indeed a quick check of listings reveals OWs performing in the Wigmore Hall, the Barbican, the Edinburgh Festival, the Proms, Choral at Cadogan and with companies such as Scottish Opera and at Covent Garden with the Royal Opera. Julian, we will miss you in the vocal department hugely. Boys, and staff, have all learnt so much from you over the years, both in your graciousness about your triumphs and your courage in adversity. I must be one of only several hundreds of boys and dons who owe their deep, lifelong appreciation of choral singing to you. Without you this richness and beauty might never have appeared in our lives. We were so very lucky and I hope you know that you and Fiona are both very dear to us over in Music School. Your warmth of personality is

Page 11 Diary of Events 2012 – 2013

Saturday 13 October Concert in St Michael’s, Cheriton, 7.00pm

Sunday 9 December Advent Carol Service, Winchester College Chapel, 6.30pm Following the service, which will last about an hour, there will be a Drinks Reception at the School. If you are an Old Quirister and you would like to attend this event, please fill in the reply form provided and return to Winchester College Society. As usual the demand is high and places are limited, so tickets will be offered on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

Friday 14 to Monday 17 December Quiristers tour to Brittany

Saturday 4 May Concert in St John’s in the Soke, Winchester, 7.00pm

Saturday 22 June Winchester Day Invitations to this event will be sent out in Common Time 2013

Choral Services Evensong in Chapel at 5.30 pm on Tuesdays Eucharist at 5.30 pm on Thursdays Compline in Chantry at 7.15 pm on Saturdays All are welcome at these services.

Quirister CD ‘The Time of Snow’ (Vif Records) CD recording of Christmas Music sung by the Quiristers. Including the first recording of ‘Nowell! Nowell!’ by Malcolm Archer. Available online at RSCM direct, or via the RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) website.

Old Q ties are available from the Winchester College Society Office (above Cornflowers) for £24 to include postage and packaging. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Winchester College’.

Thank you to all those who contributed to this newsletter and to professional photographer Andy Sollars. Please do send us your articles or photographs for inclusion in the next issue.

Esme Spencer Quirister Association 17 College Street, Winchester SO23 9LX Tel: +44 (0) 1962 621 264 Email: [email protected] Registered Charity No. 1139000

Page 12