AKS Spring Concert Showcases Outstanding Talent with Special Guest Sandro Monetti

The AKS Spring Concert took place in the OAKS Hall on Wednesday, 2nd April, bringing together alumni, staff, students and families for a spectacular evening of music and performance. The event showcased the incredible depth of talent across the Prep and Senior School and Sixth Form, leaving the audience in awe. 

Special Guest: Sandro Monetti – Inspiring the Next Generation 

The evening was made even more special by the presence of notable alumnus Sandro Monetti, who attended Arnold School from 1979 to 1984. Now an award-winning journalist, author, producer, and broadcaster, Sandro’s distinguished career has taken him from writing for the Blackpool Gazette to becoming a prominent media figure in Hollywood. 

Now based in Los Angeles, Sandro is a Royal expert for CNN, co-hosts BBC Radio’s Oscar coverage, and has interviewed some of the world’s biggest stars, including George Clooney, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Al Pacino and Benedict Cumberbatch. 

Beyond his media success, Sandro is passionate about mentoring the next generation, having led BAFTA’s New Talent programmes in America and lectured internationally. He is also an acclaimed writer and filmmaker, with his recent short film Room Taken, co-produced with Colin Farrell, being shortlisted for an Oscar. 

Before the concert, Sandro met with a group of students who were set to perform that evening (pictured). The students shared their passion for Performing Arts, and Sandro offered valuable insights and words of wisdom. Excitement was high when they discovered that he has worked with stars such as Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande! 

During his keynote address at the concert, Sandro praised the exceptional talent of AKS students and the outstanding Performing Arts team, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded education that nurtures academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. His closing words left a lasting impact: 

“Dream Big.” 

A Night of Spectacular Performances 

The concert opened with the Concert Band delivering an energetic performance of Wallace and Gromit by Julian Nott, followed by the beautifully expressive Adagietto for Flute by Ted H, featuring an exquisite solo by Edward S. The band then took the audience on a musical journey with an electrifying Daft Punk Medley, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. 

Spellbinding Solo and Ensemble Performances 

The concert continued with breathtaking solo performances, including Kirtika S’s commanding rendition of Right Hand Man by Kirkpatrick, and Oliver S’s impressive piano interpretation of Valse Brilliante by Schuster. 

The Flute Ensemble enchanted the audience with a delicate performance of The Rose by Ola Gjeilo, while Hollie C showcased her exceptional talent on guitar with Country Etude by Tatiana Stachak. 

The Prep School Chamber Choir, fresh from securing a place in the Grand Final of the Last Choir Singing Competition at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on 1st July, delivered two stunning performances, including The Little Creek by Matt Carlson. 

Solo highlights included Sammy C’s breathtaking performance of Ah! Non Giunge by Bellini, Hugo F’s mesmerising saxophone solo of Czardas by Vittorio Monti, and Isaac B’s original composition, My Father’s Moustache, performed on piano. The Chamber Choir closed the first half with Vaughan Williams’ Linden Lea and a moving performance of Baba Yetu, featuring Eve C and Henry C. 

A Lively and Dynamic Second Half 

The second half opened with the Swing Band, delivering high-energy performances of Take the ‘A’ Train by Duke Ellington, How High the Moon by Les Paul and Mary Ford, and It Don’t Mean a Thing by Duke Ellington. 

Soloists continued to impress, with Harriet A giving a heartfelt rendition of Emotions by Brenda Lee, while Carly W delivered a powerful performance of Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Finlay L captivated the audience with Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole, and Penny D gave an emotional performance of She Used to Be Mine by Sara Bareilles. 

The band 8:Fifteen brought an infectious energy with their performance of Blame It on the Boogie by The Jackson 5, and Henry C showcased his vocal brilliance with Maria by Leonard Bernstein. 

The Senior Choir delivered a show-stopping performance of Defying Gravity, the iconic song from Wicked, with Sammy C as the featured soloist. They also performed Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, featuring Maisie M, and the stirring Adiemus by Karl Jenkins, accompanied by Eve C, Edward S (on flute), and the Prep School Chamber Choir. 

A Night to Remember 

The AKS Spring Concert was a true celebration of artistry, dedication and passion, demonstrating the remarkable talent of our students and the inspirational leadership of our Performing Arts department. 

A huge thank you to everyone who performed, supported, and made this magical evening possible.