JASTO – the Jersey Academy Student and Teacher Orchestra – took to the stage at Les Quennevais School recently when they performed in public for only the second time.

The academy created the orchestra to provide a high-level orchestral experience for more advanced music students in the Island, working alongside teachers and other local musicians. The orchestra, conducted by Russell Abraham and led by Lucinda Morgan, delivered an extremely varied programme supported by the newly formed Jersey Youth Choir and dancers from Jodie Lee’s Performing Arts Academy.

JASTO principal Claire Harvey commented on the evening’s performance: ‘A rousing march by Sir Malcolm Arnold captured the audience’s attention, followed by Copland’s foot-stomping Hoe-Down with its folkloric influences artistically interpreted by the young dancers. The programme then took us to the City of Stars with a suite from La La Land, compiled by the composer of the film score Justin Hurwitz.

‘Amy Hall thrilled us with her sensitive opening on solo piano and Leo Vernaglione truly hit the high note with an impressive trumpet cadenza.’ The orchestra were joined on stage by Durrell chief executive Lesley Dickie who, along with student Seamus Journeaux, read a passage from Gerald Durrell’s diary to introduce the next work, Eden in our Hands by local composer Derek Lawrence.

‘This also featured heart-warming vocals from the Jersey Youth Choir, under the direction of John Bowley and Nicki Kennedy. The first half concluded with a tribute to the recently deceased Christine McVie, with a performance of Fleetwood Mac’s Don’t Stop,’ said Mrs Harvey.

Opening the second part of the concert, senior members of the Jersey Youth Choir, accompanied by the string section of JAS- TO, lulled the audience into silence with The Lord Bless You and Keep You, a beautiful piece by John Rutter.

‘Soloist Eden Powell dazzled the audience with his pianistic virtuosity in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, sensitively accompanied by the full orchestra,’ continued Mrs Harvey. ‘West Side Story starred some very young dancers from JLPA alongside some of their more experienced performers.

In this complex and demanding piece of repertoire, with multiple changes of tempo and key, a special mention should be made of Cameron Duff’s harp playing, astounding for such a young player. The programme concluded with Bizet’s Carmen Suite including its recognisable Habañera and the vibrant Toreador Song. Our ears were drawn to the exquisite flute solo in the Intermezzo performed by Rebecca Arthur,’ she said.

Throughout the evening the programme was introduced by the students themselves, including Jason Hoare and Aisling O’Sullivan and the crowd were treated to an encore which brought back the dancers for a final rendition of Bernstein’s America.

‘The orchestra would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Les Quennevais School, Stage 2 Productions and Bigwoods Premier Printers for their support in making the evening such a success,’ said Mrs Harvey.

‘They would also like to thank Magic Touch for their kind donation of uniforms for the Junior JASTO, whose inaugural concert was held on 4 February at Château Vermont.’