To celebrate the festive season, thousands of young musicians came together this month to perform in a series of winter concerts.
Audiences joined us in venues across the city offering support (and a few proud tears!) in recognition of the hard work and dedication our young ensembles and choirs have put in this term. We witnessed some unforgettable musical moments, particularly for our brave young musicians performing solo or stepping on to a stage for the very first time.
We also welcomed KS1 and KS2 school groups to St George’s Bristol, Bristol Cathedral and the Spiegeltent to celebrate in song – with 1770 children singing, dancing and spreading some festive musical joy.
Here are a few of our festive highlights:
Singing Sparks Winter Concert – St James’ Priory
Members of Bristol Youth Choir Singing Sparks giggled in delight as Music Leader Lucy Hughes walked on stage wearing a Santa jacket. They then performed some festive favourites including ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Jingle Bells’, as well as the entertaining ‘I want a hippopotamus for Christmas’!
Photo by Giulia Spadafora | Soul Media
Bristol Youth Orchestra – Trinity Academy
Musicians are congratulated by conductor Tim Harrison as they walk backstage. 80 of the most talented young musicians in the city returned to the stage after their sell-out summer tour to France and performed pieces including Bernstein’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.
Photo by Eren Chetin | Soul Media
Schools Carol Service – Bristol Cathedral
610 students from 11 schools almost completely filled Bristol Cathedral for a morning carol service of music, readings and performances accompanied by a live band and the Cathedral Choristers.
Photo by Giulia Spadafora | Soul Media
Small Groups Winter Concert – Trinity Academy
Members of the Brass Sparks ensemble surprised the audience with their Christmas themed headwear and glasses – and still managed to play traditional carols as well as a performance of The Can Can! The Small Groups concert also featured group, solo and duet pieces from our jazz, guitar and percussion ensembles.
Photo by Eren Chetin | Soul Media
Schools Christmas Sing – The Spiegeltent
One of the day’s ‘Super Singers’ praised for their willingness and enthusiastic singing during the event. Almost 700 KS1 pupils joined us in The Spiegeltent on Bristol Harbourside to sing songs they had all been learning this term – many proudly showing off their Christmas jumpers and handmade festive headwear.
Photo by Giulia Spadafora | Soul Media
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