Oxford – Uncommon Stories (III)

Sheldonian Theatre and Musicians’ Farewell Concert

 

 

  

Sheldonian Theatre, view from Broad Street

(photo source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheldonian_Theatre)

 

 

“The Sheldonian Theatre was erected in 1664-8 to a design by Sir Christopher Wren and was described by the European Commission in 1994 as ‘one of the architectural jewels of Oxford’. Its purpose was to provide an appropriate secular venue for the principal meetings and public ceremonies of the University, and this remains its purpose today.

In addition to being a functional building of the University of Oxford, it is made available for hire to those who wish to promote recitals of music and other similar functions. It is also open, as circumstances allow, to those who wish to visit the building for its historical, architectural and contemporary interest.”

(read more at http://www.ox.ac.uk/subsite/sheldonian_theatre/sheldonian_theatre/)

 

Everyday, flocks of visitors from all over the world come to see this magnificent place situated at the heart of Oxford city. Every time I pass it by, I wonder in silence: how many ancient theatres we have left in Beijing? How many were destroyed during the civil wars or foreign invasions? Why has the nation failed so terribly to save or defend them?

 

On a beautiful evening in April 2010, a farewell concert was given at this historic venue by the pupils from OHS, to say goodbye to their headmistress who was leaving at the end of term.

 

OHS has about 1000 children with strong music background as well as high academic ranks. It has two orchestras (Lower Orchestra for Years 7-9 and Senior for Years 10-13), two Choirs (School Choir and Chamber Choir), a String Band (string instruments including violin, cello, etc), a Concert Band (woodwind instruments like flute, clarinet, etc), an African Drum Group and two Singing Groups, plus a Ballet Team.

 

Parking, as always, was an issue so most parents were on site quite early just to be sure not too late. The seating inside the theatre was one of the most uncomfortable but everyone knew that beforehand. It was such a cold evening and the wind made it even colder outside.

 

Despite all the troubles with finding the seats, running behind schedule and so on, the performance, as expected, was outstanding. I was touched by the commitment and effort that the girls made to make this event such a success. They had worked very hard outside their normal school hours along with their teachers and conductors. Through this, not only had they learnt more about their music, but also the path to achieve something and enjoy it along the way of making it.

 

The headmistress had a great time and so did we all – a typical case of win-win situation as we all had something positive to take home with us and treasure for the rest of our lives. The positive approach of handling big events was trained and nurtured among the girls throughout the whole process, and would play key parts in their lives in the future.

 

Old Sheldonian Threatre

(photo source: http://www.ox.ac.uk/subsite/sheldonian_theatre/sheldonian_theatre/about_the_theatre/)

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