They rehearsed intensely throughout the day and then performed the acclaimed ‘Gloria' (RV 589) in the beautiful setting of the Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs. The performance was very well received and many of the audience members commented that they could scarcely believe that the performers had only started rehearsing that morning. An informal evening supper and impromptu madrigal singing finished the evening in style. Many thanks to the Music Department for the organisation of this memorable day!

Some comments from the day:

“I would like to pass on to you my thanks and congratulations to Sonia Gears and Emma Levy for a really excellent day of music-making and enjoyment on Saturday. The entire day was a testimony to excellent planning, organisation, generosity, team-work and extremely talented music staff . . . It was such an enjoyable day; Emma Levy ran the choir with the perfect balance of making the rehearsals fun yet improving the quality of the music made. We were given opportunities to chat with our neighbours and it was a pleasure to talk with present and former pupils and present and former staff, whilst all working to put a concert together . . . I am aware that the day was planned as part of the Mary Ward celebrations; I hope it won't be another 400 years before such a day is repeated!”

“….Thank you so much for all the hard work that went into organising and conducting of the Vivaldi on Saturday. It was such an enjoyable event and a wonderful opportunity for many of us who don't get to use their voices much!”

"Just a short note to say how much I enjoyed the concert on Saturday afternoon and to thank you for organising such a wonderful performance. Although this was in celebration of the Mary Ward 400th Anniversary, I really hope the school will produce more magnificent events such as this one."

“Congratulations and very many thanks to you and the school and church for a most successful and enjoyable day…. I thought the soloists outstanding and of course the orchestra was superb.”

"Speaking as one of the singers, I found it a most enjoyable day and it was so nice to be back at St Mary's and to be made to feel so welcome. We were very well looked after during the day, not least with all the refreshments which the school so kindly provided. I do hope you will think about repeating the exercise one day (maybe it could become an annual event!) – and if that happens I hope I will be invited again."