Girton Graduation Celebration

We open with Fanfare for Girton Graduation, performed by students of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Composed by Jasper Dommett, it is a re-imagining of their Fanfare for Girton, written for the 150^th anniversary of the Foundation of the College. Note the references to our first five students (in the time signature and harmonies), and sit back as the fanfare, like the College itself, builds from slender beginnings towards a rich, vibrant apogee. As the ceremony concludes, the Girton College Chapel Choir, directed by Gareth Wilson, sings O Thou the Central Orb, by Charles Wood (1915).

Inspirational Messages

Three prominent alumni join us to celebrate the occasion of your 2020 graduation.

Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan who studied Chinese and then Archaeology and Anthropology at Girton sends warm greetings at a challenging time.

Mr Paresh Patel who studied Engineering, and is co-founder, Chair of Board and CEO of the HCI group, signs in from Florida, remarking on the difference that Girton made to him, and on all that your degree will mean to you.

Her Excellency Dame Karen Pierce studied English at Girton before embarking on a distinguished career as a diplomat; today she is British Ambassador to the USA. Here she speaks in praise of Girton’s pioneering spirit, and of why it will inspire you to embrace the future.

The Chaplain’s Address to Graduands

It is usual on the morning of General Admission to hold a short service in Chapel for graduands, their families and friends. The Chaplain’s address traditionally reflects on a reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, referring to a basket full of the first fruits of the soil of a new land. Here, prefaced by a few words from the reading, is that address:

If you would like to join us for the full service, join us here: https://wp.me/pj0Sl-1MB.  

Procession

Join our procession through the buildings of Girton and into the Fellows’ Gardens where will will read the names of Girton’s 2020 graduates. The music is Elsa’s Procession, an arrangement by Ian Shepherd of a fragment from Act II, Scene 4, of Wagner’s Romantic opera Lohengrin, performed by the Gir-ten.

Although today’s ceremony does not include the conferment of degrees, we cannot let this moment pass without explicitly recognising the accomplishments of each and every Girtonian who is graduating this year. During the reading of names, we enjoy a few traditional features: the Praelectors are present, there is a sprinkling of Latin, and the Mistress introduces you to your degree. Most importantly, however, we will read out your name as a tribute to your achievement. The reading of names is grouped by subject into four playlists:

The reading of names is grouped by subject into four playlists:

1. Medics, Vets and Natural Scientists
2. Economics, Geography, Archaeology, History, History and Politics, Land Economy, MML and Music
3. Architecture, Classics, English, HSPS, Law, Management Studies, PBS, Philosophy and Theology
4. Maths, Engineering and Computer Science

Valediction

The Visitor, The Right Honourable The Baroness Hale of Richmond, former President of the United Kingdom Supreme Court, offers words of congratulation and encouragement.

A Girton Farewell

As you exit under the arch of Girton’s iconic tower, the Senior Tutor and Vice-Mistress offer messages of thanks and farewell. The Fellows and staff salute you, as the choir sings a new recording of the Triumphal Ode. This ode, written by former Mistress Muriel Bradbrook and set to music by Girton's first Director of Music Jill Vlasto, celebrates the moment that Cambridge University agreed to admit Girton students to their hard-earned degrees. It begins with the words: ‘Hail, long expected Day!’. Listen up for a snatch of Gaudeamus Igitur, an exhortation to seize the day, often sung at University Graduation Ceremonies across the world.

Farewell Again, Cambridge

A beautiful poem written in 1928 by Xu Zhimo, read by Dashan (Mark Rowswell) and translated by Heather Skye Irvine and Mei Zhang. There is a marble stone engraved with the last two lines of this famous poem on the Backs at King’s College.

Video credit: Week in China, with thanks to Girton alumnus Steve Irvine (1991 English)  

Thanks and acknowledgements

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama brass dectet recorded Fanfare for Girton Graduation under lockdown conditions. The soundtrack was assembled, mixed and edited by composer Jasper Dommett. Thanks also to: Hannah Plumridge (cornet 1), Ffion Morris (cornet 2), Cerys Hughes (cornet 3), Klara Blomgren (flugelhorn), Ross Dunne (tenor horn), Danny Jones (euphonium), Bethany Peck (trombone), Ruth Mellor (baritone horn), Peter Richards (bass trombone), Gregor Spence (tuba).

Girton College Chapel Choir directed by Gareth Wilson created two items for this event during lockdown; both were mixed and edited by graduand Dennis Lindebaum. Thanks to all who contributed to one or both performances:

Soprano: Ailsa Critten, Rachel Hill, Catriona James, Maddy Morris, Lisa-Maria Needham, Hannah Samuel and Jemma Starling.

Alto: Robyn Bartlett, Frances Conboy, Charlotte Howdle, Rosalind Skillen and Joe Wardhaugh.

Tenor: Oscar Ings, Kevin Loh, Luke Tutton and Deasil Waltho.

Bass: Thomas Beauchamp, Henry Colbert, Dennis Lindebaum, Louie McIver, Jasper Newbold, Sam O’Neal, Ben Pymer, Mark Sawney and Tom Williamson.

The Gir-ten’s lockdown recording of Elsa’s Procession was made specifically for this event. It features: Rachel Armitage, Ailsa Critten, Tessa Doubleday and Dennis Lindebaum (trumpets), Jeremy West (tenor horn), The Mistress and Catriona James (euphonium), Dr Alex Liu and James Mitchell (trombone), Andrew Kershaw (tuba); editing,  mixing and visuals by Jeremy West.

Filming, editing, compilation (opening ceremony, Chaplain's address, procession,  reading of names, Girton farewell) Jeremy West (ZBS MMXX).

Photo credits: Lila Janik, Phil Mynott, Jeremy West and all the Fellows, staff and students who sent in their selfies.