Winter Concert 2019

After seven years at Ladywood ARC, I decided to move the concert to St. Mary’s Church. The beautiful church sits on the edge of Handsworth park and is the resting place of Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William McGregor. For 20 years McGregor served in various capacities as president, director and chairman at Aston Villa, as well as being instrumental in the formation of the Football League. He also served as both chairman and president of the Football League and was also chairman of The Football Association (FA).

As usual, we heard a range of solo items from students (including Isaac Minto, Phil Mortera and Cody Casals), as well as piano duets (Grace Roberts, Hanz Camanzo and Phil Mortera), and an organ duet from Hanz and Phil. We heard Christmas items from the string ensemble, woodwind ensemble, brass quartet and school orchestra. The year 7 choir opened the evening with a beautiful rendition of Silent Night with organ accompaniment. This was also the first opportunity to hear the newly-formed ‘HGS Jazz Quartet’ as they played Autumn Leaves. The packed church had a musical treat and we look forward to hearing these students later in the year.

I am very grateful to Rev. Dr. Bob Stephen, Rector of Handsworth, for allowing us to use his beautiful church. We hope to return there next year.