No fools at the Concert Festival

4th April 2017

It may have been Saturday April 1st, but the audiences at Highland Young Musicians Concerts Festival in Eden Court were certainly anything but fools as they had chosen to attend the event. For their efforts they were treated to two spectacular concerts featuring Highland Regional Youth Orchestra; Còisir G; Highland Youth String Orchestra and Highland Youth Big Band in addition to special guests from Inverness Royal Academy ‘Pipes ‘n' Funk'.

This was followed by the day’s second concert with performances by Highland Youth Wind Band; Highland Youth Choir; ‘snas and Highland Pulse with their special guests ‘Pandemonium’ from Nairn Academy.

The Council’s Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton said: "The old adage warning that work should never be done with children or animals is certainly not applicable when it comes to Highland Young Musicians. The groups are populated by some of Highland’s most talented musicians from primary and secondary schools across the area and once again each group surpassed all expectations at the weekend’s event. Many of the audience commented that the music-making was on a par with some professional productions they had experienced. There was a really supportive atmosphere throughout the day and we are now well on our way to making even more ambitious plans for next year’s calendar."

The eight HYM 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 annual Audition Day. Some of the musicians are also members of national instrumental ensembles.

More information about all of the groups can be found at: www.highland-young-musicians.com or on Facebook - Highland Young Musicians

Details of how young people can get involved in 2017/18 activities will appear soon on the same digital platforms as well as via all Highland secondary schools.