On Wednesday 1 July 2026, under glorious summer sunshine, a drinks reception was held ahead of the Gala Symphony Concert to recognise the invaluable contribution of King's Association and OKS volunteers.

Each guest had contributed to the School, the OKS community or the King's Association over the past year, whether as an ambassador, networking panellist, magazine contributor, member of the King's Association Chorus, or in one of many other volunteer roles. We were delighted to welcome 93 guests into Lattergate Garden to thank them personally for the time, expertise and enthusiasm they have so generously given.

"This is a special concert, during a special week, at a very special School. This evening we are joined by many OKS, parents, staff and friends of the School who help make King's special. The success of the recent Giving Day is an example of what the King's community can achieve when they come together. Our volunteers play such a central role in supporting the School too, from OKS committee members, to Poulenc's Gloria singers to Governors. Thank you so much for joining us tonight and for all your support of the School."

- Jude Lowson, Head

The reception provided the perfect prelude to the Gala Symphony Concert, which presented a programme of:

• Night on a Bald Mountain - Modest Mussorgsky 
• Cello Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 8 - Victor Herbert 
• Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 - Sergei Rachmaninoff 
• Piano Concerto No. 2 in C major, Op. 14 - Nikolai Kapustin
• Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83 - Johannes Brahms
• Four Cornish Dances for Orchestra, Op. 19 - Malcolm Arnold 
• Danzón No. 2 for Orchestra - Arturo Márquez

A recording of the Gala Symphony Concert is available to watch on the King's Music Department YouTube channel below. 

We are enormously grateful to every volunteer whose commitment and generosity continue to enrich the life of King's. Their support helps strengthen connections across our community and ensures the School and King's Association can continue to offer meaningful opportunities for pupils and OKS alike.

If you would like to get involved as a volunteer, whether by writing an article, becoming an ambassador, offering a venue or supporting the King's community in another way, we would love to hear from you. Please contact the Development Team: community@kings-school.co.uk Thank you for your support.