ISCMS Music Festival XIII Anniversary Gala Concert: Dolce e Grandioso

One of the biggest and most prestigious annual music festivals for international schools in Asia, this collaborative venture saw 14 schools from China and South Korea work together for three days of intensive rehearsals to bring exceptional music to the Forbidden City Concert Hall, which has been called ‘the musical pearl of China's imperial gardens’ for its picturesque surroundings nestled amidst historic gardens and landmarks such as the Forbidden City and Tian' anmen Square. 

ISCMS has grown since its first performance in 2008, which was also hosted by Dulwich College Beijing with just over 100 students across 9 international schools in participation. This year's event saw hundreds of students across 14 international schools taking part in this uniquely diverse and prestigious event.  

This year's festival marked ISCMS return after multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Mark Elshout, DCB's Director of Performing Arts, expressed his gratefulness for the team of excellent music directors who guided our students through rigorous rehearsals. "Dr Hasty is an exceptional conductor who always treats our students like professional musicians, and is always a joy for the Orchestra to work with. Mr Gao has yet again gained the very best out of the Big Band musicians, and it has been a pleasure to welcome back Mr Squire as our Choir Director, one of the best in the world! Dr Deborah Pritchard, a highly in-demand composer based in London, has written this year's commission – Kandinsky Songs, and was here working with the musicians prior to our World Premiere."