The Hilton College Music Department’s contribution to the theatre was a wonderful success.  The name Hiltissimo was chosen because it is a play on the Latin words (used as musical terminology) “fortissimo” and “pianissimo” meaning very loud and very soft, respectively.

The celebration of music was divided into two parts with an interval in between.  The first half was a showcasing of Hilton College’s various choirs with solo performances by Paul Loeb van Zuilenburg (Director of Music) on the trumpet, John Roff on his handmade Shakuhachi bamboo flute, Arjen Zeeman on the marimba, Oliver Tucker on drums and Jack Hickmont on the harmonica. 

The choir repertoire included works such as "Die Dans van die Reёn" (sung by the Hilton College Competition Choir) and old hits such as The Piano Man and Fly Me to the Moon (sung by the Hilton College Tour Choir).  Included in the first half were performances by some of the bands from the Hilton College Music Department.  These bands were the Baroque Ensemble (that participated in an ensemble competition in Stellenbosch at the end of the July holidays) and the Hilton College Funk Band playing the very popular Final Countdown.

During the second part of the concert, viewers were treated to a performance by Durban based Dixieband Platform Jazz.  The popular six piece Dixieland Jazz band, Platform Jazz, consists of musicians from the KZNPO (Kwa-Zulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra).  They play authentic 1920’s toe-tapping jazz.  Included in their repertoire are such famous numbers such as the Fats Waller favourites “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter”, “Honeysuckle Blues” and traditional favourites including “Sweet Georgia Brown”, “Chicago” and “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In”.  The line up includes Cathy Peacock on trumpet, Ian Holloway on clarinet, Tony Boorer on trombone, Yura Litvinenko on double bass, Colin Mairs on drums and Joe Delew on piano.

Finally Hilton College and Platform Jazz combined for a celebration in the name of the one, the only, the famous Elvis Presley with the singing of Blue Suede Shoes by the Hilton College choir accompanied by Platform Jazz and some of Hilton College’s musicians.

The concert was great success and for those that missed it, don’t worry because the Hilton College Competition Choir will be performing at the Hilton Arts Festival later this term (unfortunately without Platform Jazz).