Celebration of music with Highland young musicians

This is a day long Concerts Festival in Inverness next Saturday (8 March) which will feature eight different groups, a guest conductor from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and over 6 hours of live music. 

Held in the Empire Theatre, Eden Court Theatre on Saturday 8 March, the event will blast off at 2.30pm with a special brass Festival Fanfare performed by musicians from the Highland Schools Wind Band and the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra. The full orchestra will then take the stage to perform under the baton of Conductor Jean-Claude Picard, Assistant Conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.  Jean-Claude and a number of RSNO musicians have been busy rehearsing with the young musicians for this performance which will feature excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen.

The Highland Youth Choir and Còisir G will then share the stage for a set highlighting some of the exciting and creative collaborative work they have prepared specially for this public performance.

With music running throughout the day and evening, the festival continues with the Highland Youth Big Band on stage at 4.40pm. Then at 6.10pm it will be the turn of the Highland Youth String Orchestra to entertain the audience before the Highland Youth Pipe Band march onto the stage at 6.50pm to the rousing sound of pipes and drums.  They will then share the stage with the traditional music group `Snas in another special musical collaboration.  The festival will end with a performance at 8pm by the Highland Schools Wind Band.

The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton said:  “The music groups give young players the experience of performing live and the chance to develop their skills beyond any opportunity available in individual schools. A particular highlight this year is the partnership we have enjoyed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and I would like to thank all of the professional musicians for the hard work and encouragement given to the young performers.

“Everyone taking part in the Concerts Festival, including all of our tutors, have been working very hard 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.”

The musicians performing come from primary and secondary schools throughout the Highlands and range in ages from 10 years up to 18. With over 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.

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

ENDS