Specialist Music News

13 Jan 2025

Belinda’s busy Christmas

Belinda G-G (Year 9) was the soprano soloist in the Hope and Homes for Children fundraising carol concert at Marlborough College Chapel. This was the...

13 Jan 2025

Harry and Isabella star in Christmas concerts

Over the Christmas holidays, Harry (Upper Sixth) and Isabella J (Year 10) raised an incredible £1300 at a charity concert in St Peter’s Church, Draycott....

13 Jan 2025

Emma shines at National Youth Music Competition

We are thrilled for Emma S (Lower Sixth) who competed in the National Youth Music Competition (NYMC) in South Africa last month, achieving the gold...

19 Dec 2024

Jesus receives cello from Cherubim Music Trust

Jesus GM (Year 11) has been awarded a cello from the Cherubim Music Trust. Jesus commented, “I would like to thank the Cherubim Trust for...

19 Dec 2024

Lily’s rehearsal with James B. Wilson

Award winning composer James B. Wilson visited Wells on Wednesday 12th December to rehearse a new work that has been generously commissioned by the Cherubim...

19 Dec 2024

A level Music Study Day

We were delighted to welcome a record seven external schools to Wells for this year’s Music A level Day, with visitors joining our Lower and...

19 Dec 2024

Carol-a-thon 2024

Singers and brass players from Wells visited eight different centres around the city as part of Carol-a-thon 2024 to bring some festive cheer! Carols were...

19 Dec 2024

Professor Ruth Gerald masterclass

December saw a welcome return to Wells by Professor Ruth Gerald. Ruth was previously Head of Keyboard at both the Royal College of Music in...

16 Dec 2024

National choir selections

Following the latest rounds of auditions, we are delighted that no fewer than ten of our pupils have been accepted as members of one of...

09 Dec 2024

Belinda’s singing experiences

Belinda G-G (Year 9), BBC Junior Young Chorister of the Year 2023, has sung at two incredible concerts this week.On Sunday 1st December, she performed the...

02 Dec 2024

Archie wins BHS Emerging Composer Award

Many congratulations to Archie B (Upper Sixth) who entered the British Horn Society (BHS) composition competition and was judged runner up, consequently winning the Emerging...

02 Dec 2024

Three Year 6 pupils join NCO Projects

We are delighted for Year 6 pupils Gloria A, Charlotte F and Lina F who will be taking part in the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO)...

02 Dec 2024

Community Music Project’s celebratory day

Our Community Music Project has been a weekly combination of creativity and collaboration with St Joseph’s and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School and our Prep...

19 Nov 2024

Soho’s Festival triumphs

At the annual general meeting of the Taunton Festival of the Arts, Soho P (Year 6) was awarded the Chapman Cup for Best Piano Player...

19 Nov 2024

Josie’s NYO Saxophone Ensemble invitation

Josie H (Lower Sixth) has been invited to join the NYO Saxophone Ensemble, which will be held within the NYO Spring Residency on 11 –...

18 Nov 2024

Oboe and Bassoon Day

Sunday 13th October was our second Oboe and Bassoon Extravaganza featuring nearly 70 young double reed players who finished the day by performing the brilliant...

18 Nov 2024

Ian Bousfield visit

World-renowned brass soloist, pedagogue and former Principal Trombone of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Ian Bousfield visited Wells for two days of inspirational masterclasses, culminating in...

18 Oct 2024

Lunchtime Concerts end Michaelmas Term on a high note

The final Lunchtime Concert of the Michaelmas Term took place in Quilter Hall on Thursday 17th October, with performances from Crystal S (Voice, Upper Sixth),...

18 Oct 2024

Advent carol composition competition results

The Music Department were delighted to receive nine fantastic entries for this year’s Advent carol composition competition. After careful consideration, the judges have awarded Commended...

18 Oct 2024

Animal Magic

Cedars Hall was filled with birds, beasts and Animal Magic in October, for our four performances to audiences young and old.Carnival of the Animals became...

17 Oct 2024

Morgan’s Positively Brass experience

Many congratulations to Morgan B (Lower Sixth) who attended the Positively Brass and Percussion Symposium at the Hochschule Fur Musik in Trossingen. Morgan performed in...

17 Oct 2024

William and Joy Sparks concert

The first in our recital series named after William and Joy Sparks, who were highly valued members of the Friends of Music, was last week....

17 Oct 2024

Michael Collins visit

We had the privilege of welcoming international superstar clarinettist Michael Collins to Wells, who worked with our pupils and staff on Mozart. He gave masterclasses...

17 Oct 2024

NYO selections

We have received word of a number of our pupils being selected into the National Youth Orchestra. Huge congratulations to Year 10 pupils Cole C...

17 Oct 2024

Flute masterclass with Katherine Baker

Our wonderful team of specialist flautists were treated to a masterclass on Thursday 26th September with the amazing Katherine Baker who is part of the...

17 Oct 2024

Soho wins at international competition in Germany

Many congratulations to Soho P (Year 6) who won first place in his age category at the 5th Young Ludwig Youth Music Competition at the...

01 Oct 2024

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron of the Wells Cathedral Choristers Trust attended a fundraising concert in aid of Drakensberg Boys Choir, based in South Africa supported by Wells Cathedral School.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Wells Cathedral on the 25th September in her capacity as Patron of Wells Cathedral Choristers Trust. A fundraising concert...

30 Sep 2024

Brass Band Day with the Tredegar Band

On Sunday 22nd September we hosted a Brass Band Day featuring the world famous Tredegar Band. It was wonderful to see young brass players from...

30 Sep 2024

First Lunchtime Concert of the year

Our pupil Lunchtime Concerts have resumed for the new academic year thanks to Megan B (Bassoon), Teagan C (Violin) and Charlie B (Trumpet). These take...

BBC Young Musician WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

27 Sep 2024

BBC Young Musician live auditions 2024

The BBC Young Musician live audition highlights have been broadcast on BBC Four and are now available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Take a look...

27 Sep 2024

Wells Cathedral School unveils new app

We are thrilled to announce that a new Wells Cathedral School app is available to download for free on the App Store and Google Play....

21 Sep 2024

Graduate Assistants join Wells community

A very warm welcome to all of our new Graduate Assistants (GA)! We are delighted to welcome new members to the Drama, Sport and Music...

21 Sep 2024

Upper Sixth Rockfield Studios trip

Our Upper Sixth pupils visited the renowned Rockfield Studios in South Wales on Monday 16th September. Where the likes of Queen, Rush, Black Sabbath and...

21 Sep 2024

Gloria performs with NYBBGB in Birmingham Symphony Hall

As principal second trumpet with the Children’s Band within the National Youth Brass Band (NYBBGB), Gloria A (Year 6) performed in the Brass Gala at...

B’s Waterperry Opera performances WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

21 Sep 2024

Beth’s Waterperry Opera Festival performances

Beth B (Lower Sixth) performed the role of Flora in the Waterperry Opera Festival’s professional production of Britten’s The Turn of the Screw on Friday...

21 Sep 2024

Music Summer Schools

This year we welcomed 192 talented young musicians from all over the world over three weeks of Summer Schools to refine their skills and share...

21 Sep 2024

Belinda’s summer of song

Belinda G-G (Year 9) has been singing across the country throughout the summer. She performed in a lunchtime concert at St John’s Church in Taunton...

21 Sep 2024

Oscar’s musical summer

Oscar C (Year 11) enjoyed his first course singing tenor with the National Youth Choir’s 15-18 choir, singing in a concert at Oxford Town Hall...

21 Sep 2024

Harry’s FTCL Diploma

Congratulations to Harry J (Upper Sixth) who has been awarded the FTCL Diploma in the cello – this is the highest level performance Diploma and...

21 Sep 2024

Eli is WMSO Concerto Competition finalist

Specialist bassoonist Eli M (Upper Sixth) has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Windsor & Maidenhead Symphony Orchestra (WMSO) Concerto Competition 2024. This...

04 Sep 2024

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to attend a fundraising concert in aid of Drakensberg Boy Choir, based in South Africa supported by Wells Cathedral School. HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh is a Patron of the Wells Cathedral Choristers Trust.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh will visit Wells Cathedral on the 25th September in support of the Drakensberg Boys Choir who will be performing a...

15 Aug 2024

Excellent A Level Results at Wells Cathedral School

Wells Cathedral School is delighted to announce another year of excellent A level results, with our pupils achieving outstanding outcomes across a variety of subjects....

19 Jul 2024

Out of this World Symphony Orchestra Concert

What a way to end the musical year at Wells. Out of this World lived up to its billing: it was music making on another...

15 Jul 2024

Community Music Group

The Community Music Group finished a wonderful year of community music-making with visits to the Crandon Springs and Fletcher House care homes in Wells. Pupils...

15 Jul 2024

Masterclass by Professor Christopher Elton

The penultimate week of the Trinity Term saw a return visit by Professor Christopher Elton, Emeritus Head of Keyboard at the Royal Academy of Music...

15 Jul 2024

Final performance at Wells for Upper Sixth pianists

Seven Upper Sixth specialist pianists gave their last performance in Wells on Sunday 30th June. This talented group is now headed to the Royal College...

15 Jul 2024

Annie is Liverpool International Flute Competition finalist

Upper Sixth Flute Specialist Annie has been selected as one of only four finalists in the Liverpool International Flute Competition run by Liverpool Flute Academy....

15 Jul 2024

Opera Scenes

Only at Wells – Opera Scenes!Hot on the heels of the astonishing String Showcase and excellent, vibrant Jazz Picnic, Mr Finch and his company of...

15 Jul 2024

Jazz Picnic

The 2024 Jazz Picnic was a roaring success with a record crowd and some outstanding performances. The Jazz Ensemble features some of our younger pupils...

Bass Department celebrate busy year WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

04 Jul 2024

Bassists celebrate busy year

What a year for our bassists! We are delighted that the 2023-2024 academic year has seen a surge in double bass playing. Last year Claire...

02 Jul 2024

Belinda is soloist at world premiere

Belinda (Year 8) sung as a soloist in the world premiere of the Elements Cantata with Voices for Life in Bath Abbey. The performances were...

Isaac at Glastonbury Festival WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

02 Jul 2024

Isaac opens at Glastonbury Festival

Isaac (Year 9) performed as part of the opening ceremony at Glastonbury Festival (run by OWs Michael and Emily Eavis) on Wednesday 26th June, lead...

02 Jul 2024

Harry plays for Sir Karl Jenkins

On Saturday 22nd June, Lower Sixth cellist Harry performed the cello solos in a Come-and-Sing Performance of Sir Karl Jenkins‘ Armed Man Mass. Harry and...

02 Jul 2024

Music School’s 50th anniversary

The 22nd of June was an auspicious day – not only was the School marking the centenary of the Wellensian Association, but it was also...

25 Jun 2024

Dmitri Alexeev masterclass

Early June saw a return visit by Russian concert pianist Dmitri Alexeev. One of the world’s most distinguished artists, Professor Alexeev was the winner of...

25 Jun 2024

Tui takes part in Music Festival

On Saturday 15th June, Tui (Year 10) performed at the inaugural Coxley Music Festival and Picnic. The event requested local musicians to perform in aid...

25 Jun 2024

STEER implementation

We have become national pioneers of the proactive pastoral tracking programme STEER! STEER is a 15 minute assessment taken by pupils three times a year,...

18 Jun 2024

Brass players work with Tim Thorpe

On Tuesday 11th June, we welcomed Tim Thorpe, Principal Horn of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, for a day of masterclasses and ensemble and...

18 Jun 2024

Musical Extravaganza

We were treated to a wonderful array of the School’s musical talent at Thursday 13th June’s Extravaganza Concert. Cedars Hall was packed to the rafters...

18 Jun 2024

Dame Imogen Cooper masterclass

Dame Imogen Copper, one of the world’s most distinguished concert pianists, made a welcome return to Wells last month on Saturday 18th May. After playing...

18 Jun 2024

Year 7-9 Choir and Soloists perform at St Cuthbert’s

Thursday 23rd May saw the upper voices of the Year 7-9 Choir visit St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, for a beautiful concert of music by Bob...

WCS Wells Cathedral Prep Independent School Lunchtime Concert Somerset England

18 Jun 2024

Prep School Lunchtime Concert

Quilter Hall thundered with applause when Charlotte (Year 4), Emmy (Year 5), Charlotte (Year 5) and Soho (Year 5) delivered a brilliant Lunchtime Concert on...

18 Jun 2024

Soho wins first place in Henle Piano Competition

Congratulations to Soho (Year 5) who has won first prize in his age category in the Henle International Piano Competition. Co-ordinator of Keyboard, John Byrne,...

I releases new album WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

31 May 2024

Ian releases new album

Ian (Lower Sixth) has been celebrating the release of his second album, PENGUINS INVASION. Written by Ian and produced with the help of a few friends,...

W speaks to composer Gavin Higgins on BBC Radio 3 WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

31 May 2024

Wilamena speaks to composer Gavin Higgins on BBC Radio 3

On Sunday 26th May, Wilamena (Upper Sixth) spoke to composer Gavin Higgins on BBC Radio 3. Recorded while Wilamena was with the National Youth Orchestra...

31 May 2024

Rachel Podger masterclass

After her fabulous solo violin concert on Friday 10th May, we were privileged to be joined by Rachel Podger for a violin masterclass in Quilter...

20 May 2024

Dr Anne-Marie O’Farrell masterclass

Wells harp pupils were privileged to play to Dr Anne-Marie O’Farrell, Head of Harp at the The Royal Northern College of Music, on Tuesday 14th...

20 May 2024

Conducting masterclass participation

On Thursday 16th May, conductor Natalia Luis-Bassa returned to Wells to give a day’s masterclass with eight conducting pupils, culminating in a session with the...

20 May 2024

A celebration of Composition

Our resident composers have been delighting audiences both as part of the Sound of Wells Festival and at our own School Composers Concert. The Cathedral...

20 May 2024

Joint concert in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust

Pupils from the Brass and Percussion Departments performed in a joint concert with Wells City Band Academy to an enthusiastic audience in Cedars Hall on...

20 May 2024

Percussionists record for Snareobics app

Our Percussionists had an exciting morning on Tuesday 14th May, recording alongside the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO)’s Co-Principal Percussion Sam Walton and Old Wellensians Robbie...

20 May 2024

Sound of Wells Festival

It has been brilliant for School musicians to be so strongly involved with the Cathedral-led Sound of Wells Festival. In a week featuring over a...

10 May 2024

William and Joy Sparkes Recital series culminates

Well done to Wilamena and George (Upper Sixth) who beautifully rounded off this year’s William and Joy Sparkes Recital series. Jayne Obradovic, Head of Percussion,...

10 May 2024

Belinda sings on BBC Radio 4

As part of their ‘A Celebration for Ascension Day’ programme, Belinda (Year 8) sang in St Martin-in-the-Fields alongside mezzo soprano Laura Wright and the BBC...

10 May 2024

Hill performs solo recital in Glastonbury

An enthusiastic crowd gathered at St John’s Church in Glastonbury on Thursday 25th April to hear Hill (Upper Sixth), a young up and coming classical...

10 May 2024

Alex delivers Suzuki Method talk in Music Seminar

On Monday 29th April, Lower Sixth pupil Alex gave a fantastic talk on the Suzuki Method in Music Seminar. Alex’s presentation focussed upon his own...

10 May 2024

Woodwind and Brass trip to Berlin

Our Woodwind and Brass Quintets have just returned from a highly successful trip to Berlin where they collaborated with pupils from the Musikgynasium CPE Bach,...

29 Apr 2024

Somerset Youth Orchestra Easter course

Wells was well represented at the Somerset Youth Orchestra Easter course during the School holidays. Following four days of rehearsals, the group brilliantly performed a...

29 Apr 2024

Pupils organise charity concert

Beth (Year 11) and Emily (Upper Sixth) organised a concert in aid of The Lighthouse School in Gaza. Accompanied by Mr Drakett, they performed to...

29 Apr 2024

Composers’ Orchestra Workshop

Wednesday 24th April saw the annual Composers’ Orchestral Workshop where selected pupils have the rare opportunity of writing pieces for full Symphony Orchestra and having...

29 Apr 2024

Two Moors Festival

We are delighted to share that three Wells pupils are winners of the 2024 Two Moors Festival: Year 5 pianist Soho, Year 10 violinist Alexander...

11 Apr 2024

Ensemble Bash workshop

On Friday 22nd March, Ensemble Bash gave an insightful workshop to our Percussionists before performing a concert in Cedars Hall. Jayne Obradovic, Co-ordinator of Percussion,...

08 Apr 2024

Symphony Orchestra concert

The pairing of Mozart’s Requiem with highlights from Tchaikovsky’s ballet scores allowed Wells to demonstrate what makes it so special: Music on a grand scale,...

22 Mar 2024

Rockfield Studios Music Technology trip

On Monday 18th March, A level Music Technology pupils visited the world-renowned Rockfield Studios in South Wales, where artists including Rush, The Stone Roses and...

22 Mar 2024

Musicians celebrate outstanding Music and Arts Festival results

Musicians across the Prep and Senior School are celebrating an extraordinary set of results from a number of Music and Arts Festivals.As ever, Wells had...

11 Mar 2024

Composition Concert

Eva (Upper Sixth) writes the following review of the recent Composers Concert:On Tuesday the 27th of February, there was a Composition Concert which featured some...

11 Mar 2024

Alice Farnham conducting masterclass

Pupil conductors had the wonderful experience of working with Alice Farnham, professional conductor and the Artistic Director of Women Conductors, on Monday 26th February. Six...

04 Mar 2024

Wells musicians perform in Lenthall Concert Series

On Thursday 8th February the Wells Cathedral School Symphony Orchestra and String Orchestra travelled to Burford School to perform as part of the Lenthall Concert...

04 Mar 2024

Hera Hyesang Park opera residency

One of the finest young stars of the opera world, soprano Hera Hyesang Park spent a weekend in Cedars Hall on her way between engagements...

Don't do it for us WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

04 Mar 2024

Théo releases single

Théo (Upper Sixth) has recently released his single, ‘Don’t do it for us’.Asked about the process behind his newest work, Théo explained, “Don’t do it...

28 Feb 2024

Jazz & Strings tour to New York City

The Jazz and String Departments took part in an action-packed and inspirational tour to New York City which included masterclasses, workshops and concerts across Manhattan...

26 Feb 2024

String Festival at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

At the end of an amazingly full and musically fulfilling Epiphany Term, a Wells String Quartet travelled to Glasgow to take part in the String...

26 Feb 2024

Jess Gillam visit

Before half Term, pupils were treated to a two day residency with superstar saxophonist and BBC presenter Jess Gillam. Jess worked with pupils in an...

26 Feb 2024

Annie is highly commended in BFS Young Performer Competition

Annie (Upper Sixth) entered the British Flute Society (BFS) Young Performer Competition on Saturday 17th February, and after performing alongside more than 30 of Britain’s...

26 Feb 2024

Lunchtime Concerts resume

It was wonderful to get our Lent Term Lunchtime Concerts underway in Quilter Hall. These are an important opportunity for our specialist musicians to perform...

26 Feb 2024

OW Lola performs with Mid-Somerset Orchestra

OW Lola Frisby Williams (2023), who is currently reading Music at the University of Cambridge, gave a stunning rendition of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A...

26 Feb 2024

Charlie and Alex will travel to Italy for 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics

Charlie and Alexander (Lower Sixth) have both successfully auditioned for and gained places on the 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics which will be held...

26 Feb 2024

Bach Day

On Tuesday 6th February, we featured J.S. Bach in a day-long celebration of his music installed in the wonderful Gothic spaces of Wells Cathedral. Bach’s...

05 Feb 2024

Trombonist John Kenny visits Wells

Trombonist John Kenny visited Wells to perform the UK premiere of Echoes of the Ancients, a piece written by composer Lior Rosner (X-Men, Game of...

05 Feb 2024

Defne wins Salvi Harp Competition

Defne (Upper Sixth) competed in the Salvi Harp Competition in Manchester on Saturday 20th January. The competition was open to players up to the age...

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