Middle and Upper School Musicians Deliver Festive Performances to Sold-Out Audiences

St. Margaret’s annual Winter Instrumental and Choral Concert packed the house for two nights last week, as more than 260 Middle and Upper School musicians took the stage at the Hurlbut Theater. The performances marked a significant showcase for the school’s arts program, bringing together students from across grade levels and musical disciplines.

“The Middle and Upper School Winter Concert was a heartwarming celebration of our entire music program coming together to usher in the holiday season,” said Linling Hsu, orchestra director. The program featured a wide range of ensembles, offering families and community members a comprehensive look at the scope and depth of St. Margaret’s music education.

Highlights of the concert included Snowy Day featuring harp accompaniment, and the Upper School Orchestra’s 3-Minute Nutcracker, a medley of Tchaikovsky’s best-known themes.

The evening concluded with a longstanding tradition as Middle and Upper School students invited the audience to stand and join in singing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. “Having all of the ensembles performing the Hallelujah Chorus together is really a special moment,” said Chris Carbajal, band director. The finale illustrated the collaborative nature of the music department and the collective preparation behind the performances. “The performances were an absolute delight to open our holiday season with our remarkable Middle and Upper School music students,” added Adela Kwan, director of choral music.

The concert was supported by faculty and staff working behind the scenes, including Lex Leigh, accompanist and music director, Technical Director Gordon Richins and the technical crew, Gavin Shams, and the professional community supervision team, whose efforts contributed to a seamless experience for performers and audiences.