Bringing together Old Redingensians from across generations, the event offered a rare opportunity to see former students perform live — some returning to the stage after decades — alongside current pupils in a shared celebration of Reading School’s rich musical heritage. From Vivaldi to Ed Sheeran, big band jazz to cinematic classics, every moment captured the power of music to unite and inspire.

Each House delivered a stunning 25-minute programme filled with creativity and flair:

🎵 County House, led by Samuel Lloyd (OR 2010–2017), dazzled with an energetic rendition of Mission Impossible, a moving choral performance of And So It Goes, and a beautifully harmonised Slovenian folk song, Vse Najlepše, among other memorable pieces.

🎺 East House, under the direction of Ray Montague (OR 1972–1979), featured a powerful reunion performance of Vivaldi’s Double Trumpet Concerto, soulful a cappella harmonies, and a lively big band set led by Peter Gunn — culminating in a rousing Do You Hear The People Sing from Les Misérables.

🎻 School House, led by George Chen (OR 2011–2018), brought cinematic magic with Back to the Future, intricate woodwind chamber works, and a spectacular Piano 8 Hands performance — a dazzling display of coordination and musicianship.

🎶 West House, led by Ewan Millar (OR 2012–2019), impressed with a dynamic range from Times, They Are a-Changin’ to Raiders of the Lost Ark, and closed their programme with As Time Goes By performed by the Large Chamber Jazz Ensemble — a performance that ultimately secured them the title of 2025 House Music Champions. Congratulations, West House!

From breathtaking solos to powerful ensemble pieces, the evening was a true showcase of Reading School’s enduring musical tradition and the strength of its community — past and present.

Relive the magic of the night — watch the event highlights here: OR House Music Competition 2025 on Vimeo

A heartfelt thank you to all our performers, conductors, accompanists, and supporters, as well as to our dedicated staff, both past and present, whose guidance and enthusiasm made the event possible.

We are also grateful to our sponsors — the Reading Foundation, the Old Redingensians Association and the Sir Thomas Beecham Trust, which has supported music at Reading School for over 40 years — for their continued belief in nurturing musical excellence.

The evening was a testament to the enduring power of music to connect generations, celebrate shared heritage and inspire future performers within the Reading School community.