Lent Concert 2026

Lancing’s Lent Concert was a dazzling display of the talent of over 80 musicians. With a Classical first half and a more modern second half, the versatility of Lancing’s musicians shone through during this enjoyable evening. 

The concert opened with the String Chamber Orchestra with enchanting performances of Ases Tod and Anitra’s Dance from Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, filling Great School with soaring melodies and shimmering pizzicato. This was followed by two choral groups – the Choir’s Sopranos and Altos and the Chamber Choir. The Sopranos and Altos performed Mendelssohn’s Lift Thine Eyes and Schubert’s Gott ist mein hirt, combining excellent intonation with Mr Roberts’ sensitive accompaniment to create an unforgettable performance. The Chamber Choir’s performance of The Blue Bird was equally sublime, with the Soprano trio of Julia M, Lili R and Maria N soaring above the texture.  

The first half of the concert concluded with the Symphony Orchestra, joined by three concerto soloists. Isaac H played Saint- Saëns’ Allegro Appassionato, performing with vigour and technical brilliance, while Tom C gave a stylish performance of the Larghetto from Mozart’s Horn Concerto no.3. Lucien S gave a bold and accomplished performance of Guilmant’s Morceau Symphonique, orchestrated by Fifth Former, Jude Gabriel, who transformed this piece, originally written for trombone and piano into a vibrant symphonic score. The Orchestra concluded the first half with music from Gladiator, capturing the grandeur of Hans Zimmer’s score. 

The second half opened with a memorable and exciting world premiere of Alex G’s piece Smash! They were then joined by clarinet soloist Lili R for Gershwin’s Walking the Dog, a jazzy and laid-back performance showcasing Lili’s mellow clarinet tone. Student conductor Tom Cotton then led a James Bond medley, bringing drama and intrigue to the stage. This was followed by A Cappella Club performing Sh-Boom, a performance full of energy and charm. The concert concluded with a high-energy Big Band set, opening with Megalovania, a favourite of the band. Lili R then returned to the stage, now as a vocalist, performing Cry Me a River. Their final item, James Last Medley included crowd-pleasers including Rock Around the Clock and had the audience on their feet! 

This was a spectacular evening of music-making and will live long in Lancing memory. 

Emilie Harlow 

Head of Academic Music and Assistant Director of Music 

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