In late September, Downside School welcomed the Bevan Family Consort to perform in a packed Abbey Church.
Following the release of their latest acclaimed album earlier this year, the ensemble presented a rich, entertaining and varied programme of choral works. The programme ranged from Parry’s iconic I Was Glad, which opened the concert accompanied by the magnificent Compton Organ, to contemporary compositions by members of the ensemble, a programme that celebrated both the long choral tradition of the school and the creative vitality of today’s choral repertoire.
The Bevan Family has a long and distinguished association with music-making at Downside, stretching back to Roger Bevan’s tenure as Director of Music from 1953 to 1983. Roger founded the family ensemble in the 1970s and the group has often been affectionately dubbed the “British von Trapps.” More recently, Rachel Bevan served as a singing teacher at Downside for 27 years and was hugely influential in developing girls’ singing at the school. Members of the Bevan family across multiple generations have been pupils at Downside, and it was particularly moving to welcome the latest generation among current Downside pupils to the concert.
The Bevan Family Consort generously agreed that proceeds from the evening would be used to raise funds for the Bevan Chorister Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to promising young singers who wish to benefit from Downside’s outstanding choral and liturgical opportunities; each year the school welcomes one new Bevan Scholar. Current Bevan Scholar, James, spoke at the event, sharing his enriching experience of singing at Downside and the profound impact the scholarship has had on his musical and personal development.
Paul Thomson, Head of Choral and Liturgical Music at Downside, said:
“We are immensely grateful for the generosity shown by the Bevan Family Consort, our alumni and friends in raising over £5,000 for the Bevan Chorister Scholarship. The scholarship is transformative — every year it gives a young chorister the chance to develop their musical talent and to take part fully in the liturgical life of the Abbey Church. This ongoing support will ensure that the legacy of Roger Bevan, and of choral music at Downside, remains vibrant for years to come.”
Downside is grateful to the Bevan Family Consort, attendees and donors whose generosity ensures the scholarship will continue to nurture future generations of choristers.
Categories: Downside School School News
