Over 1200 young singers, from more schools than ever, will take part in the biggest event of the year in the Music & Arts calendar on Monday 5 December at the Brighton Centre.
For the first time, the Schools Christmas Concert will feature the brand new Orchestra 360, an inclusive ensemble for children and young people with Special Educational Needs/Disabilities, their parents and siblings.
The massed choir, who will be accompanied by a staff and advanced student band, will be singing some well-known festive melodies as well as featuring an original composition by children from Downs View School.
The event will also feature performances from Brighton & Hove Youth Big Band and the Concert Band will be playing an original composition from one of its players, clarinetist Aiden Bryson, who is in year 7 at Varndean School.
Cllr Kevin Allen, Chair of the Music Trust, said: “This should be a great evening of music and singing. It will be wonderful to listen to the traditional Christmas songs and to have a chance to hear two original compositions from the young people of Brighton & Hove.”
Brighton & Hove Music & Arts will also be collecting for Encore, the network which not only supports young musicians who take part in music activities in Brighton & Hove today but ensures future generations in the city will continue to have the opportunity to make great music together.
Cllr Tom Bewick, chair of the Children, Young People & Skills Committee, said: “The Schools Christmas Concert is one of the highlights of the festive season, bringing together 1,200 children from all over Brighton & Hove, including young people from more special schools than ever. The new Orchestra 360 will put on an amazing show along with the Brighton & Hove Youth Big Band and Concert Band. This will be a wonderful celebration of our city’s talented young singers and it’s sure to be an evening full of Christmas cheer!”