Melton students perform at Royal Albert Hall concert

Schoolchildren from Melton, Gaddesby and Syston had the thrill of performing at a music concert at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London last night (Thursday).
Schoolchildren from Melton, Gaddesby and Syston perform at a youth proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London EMN-180911-101145001Schoolchildren from Melton, Gaddesby and Syston perform at a youth proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London EMN-180911-101145001
Schoolchildren from Melton, Gaddesby and Syston perform at a youth proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London EMN-180911-101145001

Pupils from Melton’s Long Field Academy and John Ferneley College, Gaddesby Primary School and Wreake Valley Academy took part in the annual Music for Youth Proms.

They were among more than 700 students from across the county, who use the county council’s Leicester-Shire School Music Service, and who performed Legend of the Sky, a new commission by composer Fraser Trainer, which was put together this year to mark the service’s 70th anniversary.

The composition, which was based around an old folk tale about the much-feared griffin that arrived in the village of Griffydam, featured students’ ideas and drew out themes around community, tolerance and learning to live happily alongside others.

The performance culminated in 550 singers, 15 drama children and 110 instrumentalists bringing together the sounds from diverse genres and cultures, featuring a blend of Indian instruments, western classical instruments, steel pans and voice.

Councillor Byron Rhodes, deputy leader at County Hall, said: “This was a unique chance for young people in our county and city to perform in a non-competitive environment at one of the UK’s most prestigious concert halls.

“It is fantastic to see that 24 different schools and colleges took part, and with such a wide range of talent.

“Being involved with something of this scale is essential for building children’s confidence.

“Giving them positive encouragement and supporting them in their wider learning will help them to succeed in the future.”

The event, which was hosted by the national charity Music For Youth, gives the opportunity for young people from all backgrounds to experience and perform live music together.

Music for Youth work with more than 60,000 young people and put together showcases like this to celebrate inclusion, accessibility and diversity.