Norwich School was delighted to host the annual Dyers’ Concert in our medieval School Chapel on 8th December 2023. Now in its 32nd year, this concert gives Norwich School the opportunity to express our gratitude for all that the Worshipful Company of Dyers has done for the school community over the last 75 years.
Ten pupils aged between 11 and 18 thrilled the large and appreciative audience for an hour-long concert, with their solo performances on a variety of instruments including the cello, clarinet and viola, as well as in song, playing pieces from Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, Finzo, Telemann and Bernstein. The Dyers gifted the school a grand piano for the Chapel some years back and this fine instrument is played daily. Virtuoso performances on that instrument during this concert included works from a modern Japanese film score, in addition to well known pieces from Bach, Mozart and Chopin.
The concert was kicked off with an appreciation of the Dyers’ contribution to school life over many decades, which was given by Development Director, Jonathan Pearson, who also referenced the 70th anniversary of the opening of the Dyers’ Lodge, in prime position in the heart of the school estate.
Newly appointed Music Director Jonathan Stamp then introduced each performer, a list that included one whose education has been directly supported for seven years by a Dyers’ Bursary and a number whose music scholarships are also supported by Dyers’ funding. It was a great pleasure not only to welcome in the audience our three Dyers’ Governors: Jim Holme, Nigel Back and Clive Jourdain, but also three other Dyers’ Liverymen: Robin Back, Old Norvicensian David Ralphs and former Headmaster of Norwich School Chris Brown.
After such a musical smorgasbord, guests joined us for festive refreshments in the Chapel’s Crypt for a private viewing of an exhibition displaying art works created by members of staff from the school’s talented Art and Design department.
The annual concert allows Norwich School to display our gratitude in some small way for the long-standing and positive support of the Worshipful Company of Dyers.
