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As holders of the Arts Council Artsmark Platinum award, Wellington College continues to make participation in – and enjoyment of – the Arts central to a Wellington education. Nowhere is this more obvious than in its unique Arts Festival, held annually in October – and this year’s festival more than lived up to its advance billing as the most inclusive event in the Michaelmas Arts calendar.
There was something for everyone, with workshops, masterclasses, trips, lectures and concerts. The technical theatre evening allowed our behind the scene technical whizz kids to explore lighting design, Sound Engineering, and Stage Management. Dance masterclasses saw the Acro, Contemporary, and Avante Garde dancers fully involved, while our classical musicians took part in String and Piano masterclasses, as well as competing in the Montgomery Ensemble competition. The Chapel Choir performed a stunning concert which celebrated 19th and 20th Century French music, and also a live performance of their Bach cantata recording. Lectures, workshops and exhibitions saw our Fine Artists pushing back the boundaries, while the Drama scholars were put through their paces in an Audition Technique workshop.
All week there was a heightened sense of artistic expectation and expression, which built to a rousing climax in the Festival of Musical Theatre, which closed Wellington’s artistic celebration. The best performers from schools in the area came together in a showcase concert which featured excerpts from many much loved musicals such as The Lion King, Les Mis, Annie and The Greatest Showman to name but a few. This student organised concert, which raised funds for Carwarden House School and Lymphoma played to a packed and enthusiastic house in the magnificent GWA Theatre.
As PT Barnum might have said the Arts certainly came alive this week, redefining the Wellington world in a week-long and joyous celebration of Artistic talent.
