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 Eden Court’s Empire Theatre on Saturday 21st March, the festival will open with the energetic sound of the Highland Schools Wind Band, at 2.30pm.  The Wind Band will also feature a piece with guests from Highland Youth Big Band and Culloden Academy’s Samba Band - a musical spectacle not to be missed!  This opening extravaganza will be followed by performances from Highland Youth Choir; ‘snas and Còisir G.

This matchless festival of music continues for the rest of the afternoon and evening with the precise sounds of Highland Youth String Orchestra at 5.40pm. Their performance will be followed by the vibrant Highland Youth Big Band and Highland Youth Pipe Band.  The festival will end with the full symphonic power of the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra conducted for this Concert by the emerging Scottish Conductor, Leon Reimer.

After graduating from the University of Glasgow with a degree in Music in 2013, Leon started his postgraduate studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.  As part of this course he has been able to work with some of Scotland’s most prolific orchestras including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Last year he was appointed to the role of associate conductor with the RSNO, a role which has allowed him to work with several youth and amateur orchestras across Scotland, including the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra. He is looking forward to his appearance in Eden Court as part of the Concerts Festival.  

The eight Highland Regional Music Groups that will be performing 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.”

Festival entry, costs £10 for 18 years and over and £5 for children. This allows ticket holders to come and go throughout the day.  Bookings can be made via Eden Court’s Box Office on 01463 234234 or at http://www.eden-court.co.uk/.  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/