The Harrow inter-school Orchestra and Choir were formed for the first time, bringing together musicians from different schools. Over 200 talented Harrovians performed as one, delivering 16 musical pieces over two hours, with thousands of people in the audience and online.
After just two months of rehearsals, fine-tuning, and cross-campus collaboration, over 200 young performers of all ages fromnine Harrow schools lit up the stage of the Shanghai Symphony Hall—and left the people in the audience absolutely speechless. This was “Many Voices 2025“: the first-ever joint concert across the AISL Harrow family. The biggest, boldest, and most collaborative music event in our history.
What We Heard!
Two hours.
16 unforgettable performances.
One seamless blend of East and West.
From the brilliance of Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture to Beethoven’s Romance for solo violin and orchestra; from the catchy charm of Joker Xue’s classic song 认真的雪 (Serious Snow) to spine-tingling choral harmonies—this wasn’t just a concert, it was a musical journey. Traditional Chinese instruments like guzheng, erhu, and dizi met the full force of a Western orchestra, creating a soundscape that was both traditional and boundary breaking.
As the AISL Orchestra struck up the iconic theme from The Bund, fond memories were awakened. Reimagined through the power of orchestration, this beloved melody took on new life—more majestic, more moving. It stirred a collective nostalgia for an era and for Shanghai itself, while showcasing the evocative strength unique to symphonic performance.
Tan Dun’s Better City, Better Life was performed by the newly formed AISL Orchestra and Choir—alongside tadditional singers from Harrow Shanghai’s Primary and Upper Schools—this final number brought the house down. It was a moment of pure unity shared vision of a better future echoing through every note.
Beyond the Music
This wasn’t just talent—it was teamwork. Students worked side by side under the guidance of their music teachers, led by Mr Penfold, Director of Visual and Performing Arts, who shaped every rhythm, harmony, and transition into something masterful.
Backstage? A flurry of last-minute tuning, encouragement, and real friendship. Students helped each other, listened to each other, learned from each other. It was collaboration in action.
Before the concert, students took part in two days of exchange—rehearsing, bonding, and diving deep into each other’s musical worlds. It wasn’t just about the stage. It was about learning to connect, to create, and to grow.
Nigel Penfold (Director of Performing and Visual Arts from Harrow Shanghai)
It’s our intention that this concert will inspire these young performers and that the memories and friendships forged over the past two days will endure long after the final note has faded.
Cookie Z. Year 8
It is an amazing experience, performing in the symphony hall, getting to know new friends from nine harrow schools! It is hard to work together but also fun. As the leader of AISL orchestra, I really liked playing with a big orchestra full of friends and work together to push to a higher level of performance. I started off feeling anxious about the performance, but as soon as we came together by Saturday I start to build confidence. We really worked together at the end and everyone was amazing! I loved it, and thank you to Mr Penfold, conductors, orchestra, choir and all staff that are involved in this that help give us a tremendous experience!
Full House. Full Hearts.
It was a true celebration of the Harrow community. On the evening of the concert, the hall was almost full. Nearly a thousand parents, students, and guests filled every seat—and thousands more joined online as everyone came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Harrovians.
This Is Harrow.
“Many Voices” isn’t just a name—it’s what we stand for. Cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and bold self-expression.
Grace L. Year 7
I am cherished to have the chance of working with all those talented, amazing pupils-and, to perform in front of a wonderful group of people. To work with nine other Harrow schools, I can feel everybody as a family, connected by all the wonderful music we made together. Finally, I am more proud than I can be for all our efforts put in- and a huge thank you to everyone participating in this significant concert that is going to be memorable for a long time.
Huge congratulations to every student performer, and big thanks to every guiding teacher, every supportive parent, and the team behind the scenes. You made this night unforgettable.