News Hamburg Exchange: 45 Years of Musical Friendship 26.02.2026

Over half-term, members of our Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by Mr Langworthy and Miss Edwards, travelled to Hamburg for the 45th year of the Orchestral Exchange between Godolphin and Latymer School, Latymer Upper School and the Johanneum School.

All of our students stayed with host families, who made them feel incredibly welcome, and they made many wonderful friendships. After rehearsals each morning, students had a good deal of free time to explore the city; one particularly exciting day was spent at Miniatur Wunderland, followed by a boat trip on the Elbe River. There was frequent snowfall during their time there, too, which made the city feel ever so atmospheric.

The concert programme was ambitious and exciting. It opened with Magnificent Seven, full of energy and boldness, followed by Morricone’s beautiful but little-known I Knew I Loved You, which offered a beautifully lyrical contrast. After a stylistic rendition of Mozart’s Rondo for piano and orchestra, Boyce’s stately Suite added a touch of Baroque grandeur. After a deeply moving and reflective performance of Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’ (from his Enigma Variations), the concert ended with Beethoven’s triumphant Ode to Joy. This was a powerful and uplifting finale that felt especially fitting for an international exchange celebrating unity and friendship.

We look forward to welcoming the orchestra of the Johanneum here in London in February 2027!