Youth orchestra performs with BBC Young Musician of the Year

Brighton Youth Orchestra will be accompanied by the BBC Young Musician of the Year Laura van der Heijden as part of this year’s Brighton Festival.

The orchestra will perform Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major, Sussex Overture by Arnold and Bernstein’s West Side Story. The concert will take place at the Brighton Dome on Sunday 19 May at 5pm.

Laura is Sussex born and bred and was part of the local Springboard Festival for several years.  Laura won the Concerto prize and was offered an opportunity to perform with the Brighton Youth Orchestra conducted by Andrew Sherwood.

The Brighton Youth Orchestra, as part of Brighton & Hove City Council Music & Arts service, has performed at many prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and live on Classic FM.  Members of the orchestra also played at the recent SoundCity launch event party which celebrated the music made by young people from across the city.

BBC Young Musician of the Year Laura van der Heijden said:

“I am thrilled to be playing at the Brighton Festival again and so enjoy the Brighton Youth Orchestra. It’s very exciting to be part of their energy and enthusiasm and I am really looking forward to performing the Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major with them….and in the amazing Brighton Dome!”

Sue Shanks, Chair of the Children & Young People Committee, said:

“It’s a real coup for the Brighton Youth Orchestra to be playing at the Brighton Festival and really does showcase the talent that we have in this city. We’re very proud of our young musicians as they demonstrate that our city is producing some of the most exciting young musicians in the country.

”The opportunity to perform at such a prestigious venue offers our musicians the motivation and inspiration to fully explore their musical ambitions. The combination of Brighton Youth Orchestra and the BBC Young Musician of the Year is a concert not to be missed so everyone should go out and buy tickets.”

Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Dome and Festival, said:

“This is going to be a really fantastic concert that is a welcome addition to the eclectic line up for this year’s Brighton Festival and underpins our commitment to young talent. It’s wonderful that the BBC Young Musician of the Year Laura van der Heijden will be performing alongside some of the best local talent that is the Brighton Youth Orchestra.”

Tickets are still available and under 16’s can enjoy this special programme for just £5.