Elaine Loft, Staff Writer
In a season of cold winds and weak sunlight, music can be a salve to the soul. Derryfield held its annual Winter Concert on Thursday, February 20. Led by Instrumental Director Tony Bonjourno and Choral Director Candace Gatzoulis, nearly 70 members of the student body offered an ardent performance of music that spanned decades and genres.
The Middle School Instrumental Ensemble launched the program with the light-hearted tune Phineas & Ferb, from the animated series of the same name, in a special arrangement by Bonjourno. The MS chorus countered with the more serious Starry Night of Winter (L. Farnell), an evocative work that reflects the dichotomy of the season of light and darkness.
The Upper School Ensemble debuted two pieces with special arrangements by Derryfield seniors. Talented pianist Jeffery Bartlett ’25 brought forth lyrics from many in the audience with his rendition of All of Me (G. Marks & S. Simons). Crow Bonnema ’25 both conducted and played the piano for the number , Hello, Young Lovers, a tune penned by 60s crooner Paul Anka.
Next the US Chamber Singers switched up decades with Hero, a ballad written and produced by pop star Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff in 1993. Avi Ullal ’25 was the featured vocalist. The US Ensemble then swung back in with Feelin’ Good (A. Newly & L. Bricusse), a number composed for the musical “The Roar of Greasepaint.” Felix Read ’26 closed out the set by conducting Beggin,’ a glam rock love song by Måneskin, an Italian rock band.
The evening concluded with three numbers by the US Concert Choir, When You Believe (S. Schwartz), Almost Like Being in Love (Lerner & Lowe), and Sisi Ni Moja (We Are One), a celebratory, highly rhythmic composition.
Bonjourno reflected,
“The winter concert, featuring small ensemble pieces, is such a joy. I am so proud of all the individual accomplishments and our student leaders! I am especially proud of the students who wrote arrangements and learned to conduct.”
Gatzoulis added,
“It filled my heart with joy to see the students wholeheartedly embracing the pieces in our winter concert. In addition to singing beautiful harmonies, they demonstrated remarkable expressiveness, creating a truly magical night filled with music!”
