Golden Age of Song
Pip Burley OW (1955-62) provided a fantastic evening’s entertainment at the School in October in aid of the Whitgiftian Association Bursary Appeal.
Pip paid tribute to the lives, words and music of Cole Porter and George Gershwin. This followed a successful evening in June when Pip presented Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern These four men defined popular music during the first half of the last century and Pip’s unique insight brought their stories alive with occasional illustrations on the piano and with remarkable footage of their lives and music.
OWs and their guests were able to enjoy their beautiful songs – as fresh and inspiring today as when they were first written – and hear about the triumphs and tragedies of these musical geniuses who cast their spell on us.
The fully booked event was held in the Concert Hall. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal during the interval and thanks go to Sarah, Richard and the team for the fabulous food and all their hard work helping to make the evening such a success.
During the interval there was a raffle and auction in aid of the Bursary Appeal and thanks go to all of our guests who purchased tickets for the raffle. The beautiful floral prizes were very generously donated by Son Flowers, Warlingham and Hyde’s, South Croydon. Thank you very much to both for your generosity. Jonathan Bunn OW (1980-88), WA Chairman, conducted an excellent auction. Congratulations and thank you to Mr and Mrs Hills for winning the painting of the School.
Thank you very much to Raman Subba Row OW (1943-50) and his wife, Anne, for their support of both events and all OWs that attended. We really appreciate it. A huge thank you to Pip for generously providing the evening’s entertainment and sharing so much of his time and expertise and performing skill. Everyone enjoyed it immensely.
A big thank you also to all of the technical team at the School who did a splendid job. The Concert Hall looked wonderful.
We hope OWs will consider joining us at future Bursary Appeal fundraising events that raise funds to ensure that the Founder’s vision for Whitgift is maintained and that able boys from all backgrounds can continue to be educated at the School.
The Golden Age of Song by Pip Burley is available on CD. Perfect as a Christmas gift or for simply enjoying at home or in the car, tracks include White Christmas, Summertime, Every Time we Say Goodbye, I got Rhythm, Embraceable you and many more…all beautifully performed by Pip who has very kindly donated the CD’s to the Bursary Appeal.
The cost is £10. All proceeds to the Bursary Appeal. Please e-mail naomi@whitgiftianassociation.co.uk or call the office on 020 8633 9926 to order.
