This summer, four talented Abbey Gate College students attended the Rodolfus Foundation Choral Course, formally the Eton Choral Course.

Tom Fesmer, who has been awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London was joined by his brother Matthew Fesmer, Harry Tomlins and Henry Smith, who attends the Junior Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

The eight-day course, based at St John’s College in Cambridge, was attended by 90 singers aged 16-21. As well as individual singing lessons, the boys enjoyed choral group sessions specialising in close harmony singing, various ensembles and solo performances.

The main events were a Concert held in Trinity College directed by the course founder, Ralph Allwood MBE and Evensong at King’s College conducted by Daniel Hyde, who has just become the director of music at King’s College.

The final Evensong performance in St John’s College, to a packed Chapel of parents and visitors, was conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, who is world famous for his direction of the St John’s College Choir.

The choral repertoire included ‘Rejoice in the Lamb’ by Britten and ‘Lo the Full Final Sacrifice’ by Finzi. Other music ranged from Renaissance to 21st century.