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Ella Davis
What musical activities are you
involved in atTeddies?
I sing regularly with the Chapel and
Chamber Choirs. Additionally I play in the
harp ensemble and take individual classes
in piano, harp and singing.
Where were you at school before and
what made you choose St Edward’s?
I attended The Study Preparatory,
Wimbledon, and then spent two years at
Kingston Grammar School. I chose Teddies
because of the opportunity it gave me
to continue with all my extra-curricular
activities alongside my academic work.
The strength of the Music and Dance
Departments was particularly alluring
and my time at the School has taught me
that the reality of the incredible Music
Department far exceeds its reputation.
What has been your favourite
musical performance or moment
at St Edward’s?
It seems as though my days at Teddies are
defined by musical events - from the
West
Side Story
production to numerous Sundays
singing with the Chapel Choir. However,
my favourite would have to be the annual
Scholars’ Recital. Despite the nerves, I love
how all the scholars and teachers come
together to support each other and the
beautiful music that is created through
doing so.
What are you most looking forward
to about the new Music School?
The Sixth Form Music Library. I’m taking
A Level music so I imagine I’ll be spending
a lot of time there!
Which teacher has had the
most influence on your musical
development?
Mr Tester, who is an incredible teacher and
leader. He seems to know everything that’s
going on in the Music Department and is an
ever-present source of good humour and
advice never failing to brighten the day.
What music do you listen to in your
spare time?
I love to listen to opera, particularly Maria
Callas. I adore her recording of the Mona Lisa
aria from
Madame Butterfly
. I hate to admit
it but I have a secret love of country music,
much to the dismay of my housemates!
What do you want to do after school?
I hope to go on to study either English or
Music at Oxbridge. I would love to gain a
Choral Scholarship and be able to continue
singing in a Chapel Choir.
record and conduct the Berlin Philharmonic.
Deep Blue
was the first film score that the
Berlin Philharmonic. had recorded in its
entire history. As highlights go that was an
unbelievable one. It was like a dream.
What are you working on now?
Theoretically ‘on having a more balanced
life’, which is good because it means I can
spend more time concentrating on the next
phase of The North Wall, which I was very
involved with at the start and which I am
passionate about. It’s one of St Edward’s
greatest resources. I would like it to be a
completely integrated part of life for the
whole school community. The new Music
School, too, will be a great and timely
asset for Teddies. Learning music in a first
class environment will have a huge impact
on music in the school and the increased
facilities such as the Recital Room will be
a further attraction and point of access for
everyone to enjoy music and hopefully in
time will offer some excellent and varied
programmes for all. So it’s an exciting
prospect.
Aside from that I recently finished the
Ken Loach film,
I, Daniel Blake
and in July
I recorded a score for a new 3D Imax
film
Predators
. I’m working on a series of
documentaries about the environment for
CCTV in China and Channel 4, and I am
in the early stages of writing a new stage
musical to be produced in Vienna.
I’m also preparing a series of concerts
with the Philharmonia, with whom I work
a lot. The next one is at the Festival Hall
in December.
In general I’m most at home writing
music in an applied or collaborative sense.
I like how it can add to other stories and
actions and make us connect with them.
Film and theatre have endlessly interested
me for that reason. Now I’m also starting
to write something specifically for dance –
which feels like a natural progression – to
try to create a significant enough narrative
through music for someone to make a
ballet. That’s the hope.
ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE
FOCUS ON MUSIC
Awards:
George has won four BAFTA
Awards including for
Bergerac
and
The Blue
Planet
; Primetime Emmys for
Beyond the
Clouds
,
The Blue Planet
and P
lanet Earth
;
The Classical Brit; and seven Ivor Novello
Awards including for
Shadowlands
,
Cry
Freedom
,
Gandhi
,
The Monocled Mutineer
and
The Jewel in the Crown
.