Alwyn Mellor Centenary Concert

On Saturday 1^st March 2014, BRGS opened its doors to a capacity audience for a historic evening of music making. As part of the school’s Centenary celebrations, former student Alwyn Mellor – a professional opera singer – returned to BRGS to perform a special recital.

Alwyn quickly captivated the 200-strong audience with a delightful programme drawn from popular operatic and musical theatre repertoire. BRGS students, watching the performance from the balcony, were inspired by Alwyn’s engaging stage presence: “Alwyn was extremely charismatic and I was left speechless by her amazing voice!” (Georgina Chick, Year 11)

Alongside Alwyn’s solo recital, a 75-strong choir and orchestra formed from the wider BRGS community of students, ex-students, parents, staff and friends took to the stage in an awe-inspiring rendition of the Fauré Requiem. One participant said: “It was a joy to sing Faure’s Requiem for the first time and a piece that will live long in my memory”. The Requiem was a real challenge for students, but one which they have relished; they are already asking which work we are going to sing next! The response from the Rossendale community was also fantastic, with a real buzz in the hall and so many people asking how they can get involved in the future. One performer spoke to the music staff after the concert, saying: “I enjoyed it immensely and to be given the opportunity to be part of such a special event is one that I will never forget!”

Students were treated to a masterclass during the afternoon, which was an exciting opportunity to sing for Alwyn and pick up tips from a professional. BRGS students rose to the challenge and stood up to sing a wide range of repertoire. Alwyn was incredibly supportive of our young people, and as an ex-pupil of BRGS she was able to instil confidence and pass on some pearls of wisdom.

Alwyn very much enjoyed returning to her old school, and passed on her admiration for the high quality of music she experienced. Referring to the concert, she said: “It was a real achievement for the school and for the Music Department”.