On November 28th, 2025, CDNIS commenced its annual winter concert. 5 musical ensembles participated in the event, performing a variety of songs for the school community’s enjoyment. Leading up to the concert, students and teachers alike were greeted with the melodic sounds of different ensembles practicing in the forum, providing them with a taste of what was to come.
The concert opened promptly at 5p.m. to the tune of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” performed by the Community Orchestra. Soaring strings, booming brass, and floaty woodwinds were all pulled together by the piano solo at the center of the music, delivering an upbeat yet sublime beginning to the night.
Two of CDNIS’s largest musical groups: the Wind Philharmonic and the TY Band, followed the Community Orchestra’s performance. The Wind Philharmonic delivered a brassy rendition of “Across the Northern Sky” and “Energy”, filling the theatre with their exuberant energy. The TY Band added a touch of modernity to the concert with their back-to-back performances of “In Autumn”, “Seven Nation Army”, and “Bohemian Rhapsody”. The night wasn’t just a showcase for live music either; DP Music students Jasper and Celine had the opportunity to share self-composed pieces with the audience in between performances.
The latter half of the event delivered major shifts in tone. As the only singing event of the night, the school choir provided a break to the audience, performing more upbeat tunes including “Carol of the Bells”, “Hey Ho”, and “Gift of the Season”. Their singing truly raised the festive atmosphere of the evening.
Big Band shifted the mood again, treating the audience to a jazz performance worthy of La La Land. Guitar and saxophone solos peppered the performance, providing moments of unexpected delight throughout their three-piece set of “Birdland”, “Gentle One”, and “Cold Duck Time”.
Rounding out the musicians was the Symphonic Winds, delivering three stunning performances, including a piece composed by CDNIS student Jasper Y. “Rescue” was a throwback to pieces heard earlier in the night, while “Arabesque” enthralled with its winding trills and arpeggios. “Voyage to Christmas” brought back the festive mood previously established by the choir. All in all, they certainly helped end the concert with a bang.
To both performers and those in attendance, the winter concert was certainly a night to remember. For those who missed seeing it in person, do not fret! The entire event was videotaped and will likely release in about 1 week. Come back to the Insight website for easy access to the link!
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In response to the recent Tai Po tragedy, the school’s Arts department has decided to donate all proceeds from the winter concert to victims of the incident.
