Royal Phil help launch Southend Youth Orchestra
Published Tuesday 24th July 12 in Council - news and information releases news
Some of the country’s finest musicians gave more than a helping hand to a young group of instrumental players from Southend.
Members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) led a coaching day for young local musicians as an exciting first step towards re-establishing a Youth Orchestra as part of the new Southend Music Education Hub.
The RPO - one of the country’s leading orchestras - worked with the talented youngsters all day to give them a master class in music-making.
One of the aims of the day was to encourage young musicians to try out for the new orchestra when auditions begin in September.
The workshop took place at Southend Adult Community College in Ambleside Drive, headquarters of the newly formed Southend Music Education Hub.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor James Courtenay, said: “This was an excellent opportunity for our young people to work with world class musicians.
“The outcome of this very special event will have far-reaching beneficial consequences with the development of the town’s own youth orchestra and our ambition to provide young people with outstanding performance opportunities.”
Ros Pitcher, Head of the Southend Music Service, said: “We had a wonderful day and the young local musicians achieved a really high standard of performance.
“The tutoring by the RPO team was inspirational and they were very impressed with what they heard.
“The students played Vaughan Williams’ ‘March on Sea Songs’, the first movement of Schubert’s ‘Unfinished Symphony’ and Walton’s ‘Crown Imperial’.
“Southend Music Education Hub will be holding auditions in September and we are looking forward to a sparkling future for the new Southend Youth Orchestra.”
If you are interested in music-making and are under 19-years-old you can contact the Southend Music Education Hub by e-mailing musicservices@southend.gov.uk
For further details please contact Ros Pitcher via the above e-mail address or by telephone on 01702-583084.