Earlier this summer term, Will Bersey (Director of Music) and Dr Annalise Roy (Music Teacher and School Accompanist) embarked on a special project – the 'OKS Top Secret Music Mission'.

The aim of the mission was to celebrate the retirement and remarkable contribution of Kevin Abbott. Kevin has been at King's for 38 years - the first 16 as a horn teacher and the last 22 as Head of Woodwind and Brass. To mark the occassion, Will and Annalise assembled a surprise OKS wind and brass ensemble to perform during Kevin's final concert at King's on Sunday 28 June 2026 (Virtuosi). 

After weeks of planning and a secret rehearsal, the ensemble took their places off stage, beginning the performance from outside before gradually making their way into the Shirley Hall as the music unfolded. It was a memorable and fitting surprise to bring the concert to a close.

The resulting work, Fanfare for the Uncommon Man, was specially composed for the occasion by Annalise. The piece wove together original music with quotations from works that had become closely associated with Kevin during his years at King's, creating a musical journey through his time at the School. The result was a heartfelt tribute that celebrated not only Kevin's remarkable career, but also the lasting impact he has had on generations of musicians at King's.

A huge thank you to the OKS brass and woodwind ensemble for taking part and giving Kevin a memorable send off! 

You can watch the surprise performance here: