Unique Concerts Festival celebrates youth music-making at its best
Over 300 young musicians from across the Highlands have been busy rehearsing for their unique showcase Concerts Festival which will feature the eight diverse groups working under the umbrella of Highland Young Musicians.
Held in the Osprey Arena at MacDonald Aviemore Resort on Saturday 22 November, the festival will open with the full symphonic sound of the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra, conducted by the RSNO’s Jean-Claude Picard at 2.30pm. The orchestra’s Sibelius programme will be followed at 3.10pm by the rousing sounds of the Highland Youth Pipe Band then the Highland Youth Big Band will take to the stage and change to mood completely at 3.50pm.
This matchless festival of music continues for the rest of the afternoon and evening with the distinctive Còisir G (Gaelic choir) on stage at 4.30pm. They’ll be followed by the precise sounds of Highland Youth String Orchestra at 5.40pm. ‘Snas, the distinctive & forward-thinking traditional music group will play from 6.20pm, with the Highland Youth Choir following them at 7.00pm. The festival will end with the robust sounds of the Highland Schools Wind Band performing at 7.40pm.
The eight Highland Regional Music Groups are organised and run by The Highland Council as an extension to the work of its Instrumental Tuition Service. 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 groups are populated by some of Highland’s most talented young musicians from primary and secondary schools across the area and range in ages from 7 years up to 17. The musical groups give young players the experience of performing live at the highest standards and the chance to develop their skills beyond any opportunity available in individual schools. It is a testament to the standards of these groups that external organisations and musicians are more than happy to collaborate with us. I hope as many people as possible take this opportunity to come and enjoy some terrific music. This unique festival is something we should be very proud of in Highland. It really offers something for everyone and can’t fail to prove that youth music-making in our area is flourishing.”
The festival is generously sponsored by Macdonald Aviemore Resort and Friends of Highland Young Musicians. Festival entry, costing £10 for 18 years and over and free for children, allows ticket holders to come and go throughout the day. All entry will be by cash only on the day. Food and refreshments will be available in the venue during the event.
More information about all of the groups can be found at: http://www.highland-young-musicians.com/