Celebration of music with Highland young musicians

Over 350 young musicians from across the Highlands are busy rehearsing for their annual showcase which this year will take the form of a day long Concerts Festival featuring eight different groups.

Held in the Empire Theatre at Eden Court on Sunday 17 March, the event will blast off at 2.30pm with a special Festival Fanfare performed by brass players from the Highland Schools Wind Band and the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra. The orchestra will then stay on stage performing until they hand over to the Highland Youth Choir at 3.20pm. They will be followed at 4pm by the traditional music group snas’ and Còisir G, the Gaelic choir on stage at 4.40pm.

With music running throughout the day and evening, the festival continues with the Highland Youth Big Band on stage at 5.50pm. Then it will be the turn of the Highland Youth String Orchestra to entertain at 6.30pm before the Highland Youth Pipe Band march onto the stage at 7.10pm with the rousing sound of pipes and drums.  The festival will end with a performance at 7.50pm by the Highland Schools Wind Band.

The musicians performing come from primary and secondary schools throughout the Highlands and range in ages from 10 years up to 18. With six hours of continual music, there really is something for everyone to enjoy and a special festival ticket allows ticket holders to come and go as they like throughout the day and evening. Tickets cost £10 for 18 years and over and £5 for children and are now available by contacting the Eden Court Box Office on 01463 234234.

The eight Highland Regional Music Groups are organised and run by The Highland Council as an extension to the work of the Instrumental Tuition Service in Highland.  Membership for all groups is by invitation after an Audition Day held in May each year.  Some of the musicians are also members of national instrumental ensembles.

The Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton said:  “The musical groups give young players the experience of performing live and the chance to develop their skills beyond any opportunity available in individual schools. Everyone taking part, including the tutors, have been working very hard and gearing up for this event which is the highlight of the year. I hope as many people as possible take this opportunity to come and enjoy some terrific music.  This festival will really have something for everyone and is a great way to not only celebrate music but also the talent and dedication of our young musicians.”

Friends of Highland Young Musicians will be selling raffle tickets throughout the event to raise funds to support all these groups.