Alleyn’s Marks 50 Years of Co-Education with Spring Concert at Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral provided a fitting setting last night as Alleyn’s School marked 50 years of co-education with its Spring Concert, bringing together pupils, alumni and former staff, staff and the wider community in a programme focused on unity, resilience and hope. 

The concert centred on the Finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, chosen for its message about “the power of unity and of diverse voices coming together”, reflecting the significance of the anniversary. The historic cathedral, closely linked to the school’s founder Edward Alleyn, reinforced the sense of continuity and shared tradition. 

“The spirit of gathering is precisely what this evening is about.” — Luis Parés, Director of Music 

The programme opened with the Chamber Choir performing Arise, Be Enlightened! by Kati Agócs, a setting of Isaiah 60 that explores light emerging from darkness through rich harmonies and layered vocal textures. 

The Schola Cantorum followed with Mel Bonis’s Ave Verum, a gentle interpretation of the Eucharistic text, and Eleanor Daley’s Grandmother Moon, which sets a poem by Mi’kmaq poet Mary Louise Martin, portraying the moon as a living, guiding presence. 

The first half concluded with Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony, performed by the Chamber Orchestra. Composed from themes written in his youth, the work highlighted the potential of young musicians when given creative encouragement. The performance also coincides with 50 years since Britten’s death. 

In the second half, the Symphony Orchestra performed Nicola Piovani’s suite from La vita è bella, evoking a story in which hope and humanity endure in the face of hardship. 

The concert culminated with the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, whose choral finale sets Schiller’s Ode to Joy. The work’s message, that joy can reunite what has been divided, formed the emotional centre of the evening. The performance brought together musicians across generations, echoing the concert’s theme of collective endeavour. 

The finale was a powerful celebration of Alleyn’s musical legacy, bringing together inspirational alumni and former staff spanning the generations. Some have gone on to forge careers as professional musicians, while others continue to make music through amateur orchestras and choral societies - but all share a lifelong passion first nurtured during their time at the school. Their willingness to return and perform together speaks volumes about the lasting impact of music at Alleyn’s and the strong sense of community it creates. 

The soloists included Alleyn’s alumnus baritone Simon Wallfisch (Cribb’s 2000), alongside soprano Helena Moore, tenor Edward Hughes and mezzo-soprano Pamela Hay who will join Alleyn’s Music Department as Head of Vocal Studies in September. 

The event also recognised the contributions of the school’s music staff, visiting teachers and leadership, as well as the commitment of the pupils performing one of the most demanding works in the choral repertoire. 

As the final chords sounded through the cathedral, the concert reflected both the school’s history and its ongoing commitment to bringing more voices together through music.