Ipswich School's four day Festival of Music came to an end with a wonderful performance from talented OIs across the generations. The Saturday night's Music Gala Evening welcomed back 34 Old Ipswichians aged from 19 to 85 years old, playing a variety of music alongside current Ipswich School students. 

The concert featured many different music styles, and included a performance of the Hallelujah Chorus, ‘Can you feel the love’ which was performed by the Show Choir, and a spectacular performance of 'Viva La Vida' by a specially formed Big Band to close the evening. It was also great to see Karl Daniels (OI 1944-53) play the piano alongside current pupils to remember Trevor Woods (OI 1950-53) who passed away in September. These performances really demonstrated the strong community that Ipswich School values.

During the technical run-throughs of the event, all OIs were wlecomed with an incredible lunch by the School's catering team in the New Dining Hall, which was finished off by the Ipswich School classic: steamed syrup sponge pudding. 

The event was dreamt up by Tim Kiddell, the current OI President, who was keen on uniting current students and OIs through their shared passion for music and performing. With great help from the Music department, Francis Goodhand (OI 1985-92) ad Andrew Leach, the Music Gala Evening was a great success with a standing ovation from the audience. 

Gerald Pell (OI 1952-57) wrote to us after the event saying “I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the events on Saturday, culminating with the concert. To me it was a huge success, and it gave me the opportunity to meet some younger OIs. There is a depth of musical talent in the school.”

With thanks to the School journalism team who helped with this article for the weekly pupil newsletter, 'The Occasional'.