Lancing College celebrates 175th Anniversary with a magnificent concert at Southwark Cathedral

Music has always played a significant role in Lancing College’s past anniversaries and in this 175th year the tradition continues. On 13 March 2024, current and former parents, OLs, staff and pupils gathered at Southwark Cathedral for a magnificent celebratory concert. The South Bank of the River Thames echoed with the sounds of Lancing College’s musical talent including the College Choir, Choral Scholars, Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, String Quartet, Wind Quintet, Pianists, Saxophone Quartet Honk!, visiting musician guests and soloists, all led by Director of Music, Alexander Mason.

Guests were welcomed with a glass of fizz at the Cathedral before taking their seat to enjoy exceptional performances. The programme was devised to demonstrate the richness of music making at Lancing, with 75 children, over ten per cent of the pupils in the school taking part.

The spectacular cathedral atmosphere and acoustics accompanied the brilliant celebration, and guests gave a standing ovation to all those involved, commenting on how professional the performers were and how ‘the standard of music was exceptional.’ One OL wrote ‘It was an absolute triumph – a sheer joy to be in the audience,’ additional praise continued with another noting that ‘It was very pleasing to see the excellence of Lancing’s music continuing onwards. I was so impressed with the performers, playing in such a huge space in front of so many people.’ The pupils were delighted to perform in such a space and had lots of fun rehearsing and exploring the surroundings of Southwark Cathedral. Soloist Kiara N. performed a simply beautiful rendition from Madama Butterfly and found the event an ‘immense experience’. Soloist Grace S, whose Czárdás solo was met to great cheers from the audience said ‘The acoustic and the atmosphere was just magical and definitely not something I will ever forget!’.

Lancing musician Isaac H. commented ‘I am honoured to have been involved in such an occasion in the College’s history. A highlight for me was the final orchestra piece – Walton’s Crown Imperial – which displayed the talent and enthusiasm for music at Lancing.’ Flautist, Hannah C. said ‘We had a lovely day becoming accustomed to the acoustics of the Cathedral, and the thought of our guests hearing such a unique sound in the evening was the perfect incentive for us to polish our performances. Hodge the Southwark Cathedral resident cat was impressed too!’

Head Master, Mr Dominic Oliver says ‘This was a night to be incredibly proud of Lancing’s amazing and vibrant musical culture. We have a superbly inspiring staff and they brought out the very best in the talented and hard-working young people of the College. We were delighted to bring the sounds of Lancing Chapel to Southwark Cathedral to celebrate our 175th year, such an important milestone in our history. We look forward to continuing our anniversary celebrations with a further musical collaboration with inter-generational opera, ‘Beware the Mackerel Sky’, our upcoming Head Master’s lecture with Formula One technical supremo Pat Fry and our 175th Anniversary Ball, the culmination of our incredible celebratory year.’