Old Wellensians perform at Finch Farewell Concert

We were delighted to welcome over 70 Old Wellensians and current pupils to perform to a packed audience at the Finch Farewell Concert on Saturday 13th September, a moving celebration of Christopher and Karen Finch. Having met at the School and inspired generations of Wellensians over more than 50 years combined, they now embark on their next adventure.

Highlights of the evening included Rutter’s The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, with a solo by Kieran White (OW 2008) and clarinet accompaniment from Joe Shiner (OW 2009). A particularly poignant moment was Parry’s There is an Old Belief from Songs of Farewell, dedicated to Imogen Moorsom (OW 2022) and Nigel Perrin, both of whom sadly died last year.

Jess Newman, Director of  Development and Head of Foundation reflected on the evening,

There are not enough words to express how outstanding the whole evening was, with so many Old Wellensians uniting in voice alongside pupils to celebrate Chris and Karen Finch. It was a truly remarkable performance and a testament to everything music at Wells represents. Even more impressive was that OWs and pupils had only released together that afternoon. Whilst initiated as a farewell, I hope this is not the last of the OW Vocalists. 

I felt honoured to be a part of the evening and to meet so many of our OWs, so thank you for making the trip back to Wells. A special thanks must also go to James Gooding (OW 2021) for bringing everyone together and ensuring the night ran so smoothly. Congratulations to all involved. 

Chris and Karen will be deeply missed. As they wrote in the evening’s programme:

We hope tonight becomes a joyful celebration of the extraordinary people on this stage - talented musicians who represent generations of Wellensians.  We are immensley proud of each and every one of them.  They have enriched our lives beyond measure, and we feels truly fortunate to have had the chance to guidea, mentor and teach them.

Though we will miss you all, we will carry Wells - and each of you - with us always, with the deepest grattitude and the warmest affection.