A late September concert at Downside School has raised more than £5,000 in support of the Bevan Chorister Scholarship.
The Bevan Family Consort performed to a packed Abbey Church, presenting a varied programme of choral works that ranged from Parry’s I Was Glad, accompanied by the Compton Organ, to contemporary compositions by members of the ensemble.
The evening highlighted both the rich choral tradition at Downside and the creative energy of today’s composers.
The Bevan Family has a long history with music at the school, dating back to Roger Bevan’s time as Director of Music from 1953 to 1983. Roger founded the family ensemble in the 1970s, often described as the ‘British von Trapps’. His legacy has continued through the generations, with family members teaching and studying at Downside, including Rachel Bevan who taught singing at the school for 27 years. The concert also featured the latest generation of Bevans among the current pupils.
Proceeds from the evening are supporting the Bevan Chorister Scholarship, which each year gives one promising young singer the chance to develop their musical talent while taking a full part in the liturgical life of the Abbey Church. Current scholar James spoke at the event about the profound impact the scholarship has had on both his music and his personal development.
Paul Thomson, Head of Choral and Liturgical Music at Downside, said, “We are immensely grateful for the generosity shown by the Bevan Family Consort, our alumni and friends in raising over £5,000 for the Bevan Chorister Scholarship. The scholarship is transformative — every year it gives a young chorister the chance to develop their musical talent and to take part fully in the liturgical life of the Abbey Church. This ongoing support will ensure that the legacy of Roger Bevan, and of choral music at Downside, remains vibrant for years to come.”
Downside School has thanked the Bevan Family Consort, along with the concert attendees and donors, for their support in helping to nurture future generations of choristers.
