Festive Pop and Jazz 2023

Posted: 30/11/2023

On a chilly November evening it was a warm atmosphere made by the sell-out crowd at this year's Christmas Pop and Jazz.

Groups such as Orchestra and Mixed Voice Choir opened the evening with film music from Spirited Away, and ABBA wishing everyone a preemptive Happy New Year. There was plenty of Prep representation, with the Jazz and Rock Bands taking to the stage with tinsel-clad trombones. The student bands, For Magonia and Impulse, led the way with polished performances worthy of a professional arena. We also heard from star soloists performing for the first time, including Charissa B-S singing Alicia Keys, Jack H with Maneater and Thomas S bringing the house down with Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody. Without a doubt the act everyone is talking about were the A-Cafellas, a fantastic barbershop troupe, arranging their own twists on songs by Fleet Foxes and (the evening's favoured artist) Billy Joel.

The finale was a Christmas Pop & Jazz swan song for our two U6th Big Band vocalists, Joseph B and Olivia G. Singing Blue Christmas and This Christmas, they filled everyone's hearts with Christmas cheer to last through December.