This concert was the latest in a series of celebrations marking Solihull School’s 450th anniversary of its founding in 1560, and featured the newly refurbished Chapel organ.

Thomas Trotter’s programme was an attractive mixture of well-known pieces and curiosities chosen to show the wide range of colours this three manual organ affords. It opened with a J C Bach Concerto, unknown to me, but whose last movement turned out to be a stylish set of variations on God save the King. Widor’s Symphony No.5 was the ultimate in French romantic richness, with constant changes of registration and a grand cumulative authority.

The Chapel Choir sings services every Sunday during term time and under the clear direction of Oliver Walker they produced a bright and confident sound in Stanford’s Magnificat, and a magisterial performance of Parry’s I was glad, matching the stentorian power of the organ’s rousing opening.

We could see as well as hear Trotter’s artistry thanks to the large video screen at the front of the Chapel which transmitted his performance from the Gallery. This made Thalben-Ball’s Variations on a theme of Paganini for organ pedals alone even more entertaining. Its athletic demands should carry a health and safety warning.

Rating: 4/5