Young Musicians shine on stage
On Sunday (25 March) all eight Highland Regional Music Groups took centre stage during a full day of concerts held at Eden Court Theatre.
The 300 plus talented musicians came from all over the Highlands, and such is their growing reputation that they played to full houses, receiving very appreciative and rousing applause from the audiences.
A highlight of the day was when guest Australian pianist Tristan Lee joined the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra for a performance of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto no.2 is already shaping up to be one of the musical highlights of this year.
Also featured were performances by the Highland Youth Pipe Band, the Highland Schools Wind Band, and the regional Gaelic choir, Còisir G, the Highland Youth Choi, the Highland Youth Big Band and ‘snas, the regional ceilidh band.
The Regional Music Groups are run by The Highland Council as an extension to the work of the Instrumental Tuition Service. Membership for all the groups is by audition or invitation after an annual Audition Day and members are drawn from all areas of Highland.
Norman Bolton, The Highland Council’s Music Development Officer praised the musicians and their tutors. He said: “Everyone worked really hard preparing for the showcase concerts and the young people were a real credit to themselves, their schools and their families. It was great experience for them to play in Eden Court and the reaction of the audiences was extremely supportive and very positive. We wish all the older students well as they leave us at the end of the next term and all the tutors look forward to supporting and nurturing new emerging talent.”