Bristol Grammar School Concert

We are delighted to present Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, an evening that celebrates the musical threads connecting past and present. From the soaring polyphony and beauty of Tallis, Palestrina, and Hildegard von Bingen to the genre-defining creativity of Brian Wilson, Hans Zimmer, Olivia Rodrigo, and Bat For Lashes, this concert explores how every generation of musicians builds upon the achievements of those who came before. The programme journeys across centuries, styles, and traditions. The first half showcases the breadth of our young musicians through orchestral, choral, and chamber performances, including music by Zimmer, Puccini, Haydn, Dvořák. Alongside these established masterpieces, students bring fresh energy and imagination to works that continue to inspire performers and audiences today. After the interval, the focus turns to one of the most influential figures in popular music: Brian Wilson. Through a carefully curated sequence, the luminous harmonies of Allegri, Tallis, and Palestrina sit alongside timeless Wilson classics including God Only Knows, Surf’s Up, California Girls, and Good Vibrations. Contemporary voices such as Olivia Rodrigo and Bat For Lashes further demonstrate how today’s artists continue to draw inspiration from the musical giants of previous generations. More than a school concert, this is an evening for anyone who loves exceptional live music, unexpected connections, and the thrill of hearing familiar works in a new light. Join us as our young performers celebrate the rich musical inheritance we all share, and discover how every generation stands on the shoulders of giants.