Junior School pupils from across Wakefield perform in the World Premiere Performance of “Sun in Splendour” composed by Alan Simmons
Over 300 girls and boys from nine Wakefield Junior Schools performed “Sun in Splendour” at Huddersfield Town Hall on Saturday 17th March 2007.
The schools performing were: Dane Royd Junior and Infant School, Hendal Primary School, Jerry Clay Lane Junior and Infant School, Methodist Junior and Infant School, Newton Hill Junior and Infant School, Sandal Magna Junior and Infant School, St James CE Junior and Infant School, Wakefield Girls’ High School Junior School and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Junior School.
The performance was narrated by John McLeod, and gave a real insight into the fascinating history surrounding Sandal Castle.
This specially commissioned musical by local composer Alan Simmons was funded by the Wakefield Independent State Schools Partnership. Set up in 2005 with a grant of £50k from the Department of Education and Skills, the partnership consists of members of Wakefield Grammar School Foundation and Wakefield Music Services who work closely with schools to provide a wide range of high quality musical experiences for young people in the Wakefield District.
The story begins at Sandal Castle on Christmas Eve 1460 and describes some of the events which happened during the Wars of the Roses, including the Battle of Wakefield.
Geraldine Gaunt, Wakefield LEA Music Adviser said “The evening was a huge success and the standard throughout the evening was outstanding. Alan Simmons said that of all his large-scale musicals he has conducted the singing that night was definitely the best. The visual impact of over 300 children wearing specially designed tee shirts was spectacular. The team's level of professionalism shone through and it was an evening for Wakefield to be proud of.”
Quotes from some of the children taking part, “We have learnt lots of things about history at that time. It was a bit confusing because I didn’t know there were so many Edwards as Kings of England!” “What an exciting experience - we were breathless!”
