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As Morley celebrates its 100th year at 61 Westminster Bridge Road, it also wrapped up a year-long celebration honouring Gustav Holst, the composer who left a mark on the college. Holst, who served as Morley鈥檚 Director of Music from 1907 to 1924, is known for his orchestral suite 鈥淭he Planets,鈥� but it was his lasting influence on Morley鈥檚 music program that the college celebrated throughout 2024.

A spectacular kickoff

The festivities kicked off with 鈥淗armony of the Heavens: A Holstian Showcase of Orchestral and Choral Brilliance.鈥� This event featured the Morley Chamber Orchestra, Morley Chamber Choir, and Meridian Choir, who came together to perform some of Holst鈥檚 most memorable works, including 鈥淏eni Mora鈥� and the 鈥淪hort Festival Te Deum“. If you missed out, you can listen to the performance below!

A fresh take on “The Planets”

A highlight of the year of Holst was the performance of 鈥淭he Planets鈥� with 4 Pianos and 8 Pianists in June. This wasn鈥檛 your standard rendition of Holst鈥檚 famous suite. Composer and former Morley tutor, Paul Sarcich reimagined the piece with four pianos, and eight talented Morley piano tutors delivering a performance that offered a fresh take on the classic.

Holst鈥檚 legacy explored

Throughout the year, Morley offered opportunities for participation and deeper learning. The 鈥�Come and Sing: Choral Songs by Gustav Holst鈥� workshop in February 2024 invited participants into Holst鈥檚 choral works, including pieces he wrote specifically for Morley. Led by Morley Chamber Choir conductor Giannis Giannopoulos, the event provided a hands-on experience that was enjoyable for all involved.

Penny Lecture

For those interested in learning more about Holst鈥檚 life and contributions, the Penny Lecture: 鈥淗olst at 150: Re-assessing His Achievement鈥� in May was a must-attend. Presented by Philippa Tudor, an expert on Holst, the lecture offered an in-depth look at his career and legacy, sparking thoughtful discussions about his impact on the world of music.

Morley Radio

On September 21, 2024鈥擧olst鈥檚 birthday鈥攖he station dedicated the entire day to his music, featuring a mix of his compositions and modern works inspired by 鈥淭he Planets.鈥� This tribute allowed listeners to appreciate Holst鈥檚 genius in new and unexpected ways.

A year of reflection

As Morley brings its year-long celebration to a close, it was clear that Gustav Holst鈥檚 legacy continues to thrive at the college. Through events, performances, and educational initiatives – the college honoured Holst鈥檚 contributions to music and education, ensuring that his influence will inspire future generations for years to come. The 150th anniversary of Holst鈥檚 birth was not just a time to reflect, but also a moment to celebrate how his work continues to thrive within the Morley community.