Portsmouth High hosts concert at city’s Square Tower

Music scholars and leavers from Portsmouth High School delighted an audience of alumnae, governors, parents and staff with a concert held at The Square Tower.

The girls, aged from 11-18, performed in candlelight within this unique setting, playing and singing pieces from Bach, Mozart and Beethoven to The Jungle Book and Sweeney Todd.

The Square Tower was built in 1494 during the reign of Henry VII and was the residence of the military governor. During the English Civil War 1642-1649 the Square Tower was used as an arsenal and contained large amounts of gunpowder and munitions.

‘This is such a bittersweet moment for me,’ said Upper Sixth leaver Karabo Magooa, 18. ‘I’ve been singing at Portsmouth High School for many years, from taking part in musicals to high profile events like tonight.

After my A Levels, I am hoping to take up my place at the University of the Creative Arts to study acting and performance and, one day, hope to come back and hear future girls perform.’

Millie Ansell, 17, currently in Lower Sixth, added:  ‘I shall really look forward to my final year at Portsmouth High and taking part in many more musical events such as the Gala Concert in February and this again next year.  It has been a wonderful night.’

‘Of the many concerts our pupils have performed this year, this one has been the most refined,’ said Mr George Tinsley, Director of Music at Portsmouth High School. 

‘As the number of music scholars has grown,  we have seen more variety and skill in their performances. The pupils inspire each other to reach higher standards, and that is a truly rewarding part of working with such dedicated musicians.’