RGS The Grange pupils were delighted to attend the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 21 November to collaborate with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to raise funds for Barnardo’s.
RGS The Grange Chamber and Senior Choir took thirty-fiive children from Year Six to perform in The Barnardo’s Young Supporters’ Concert in what was a once in a lifetime musical experience of collaborating with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the prestigious venue of the Royal Albert Hall.
The theme of the concert was ‘Heroes and Villains’ and the repertoire was both familiar and well-chosen for the young musicians. They relished practicing songs from ‘Encanto’, ‘Despicable Me’, ‘The Greatest Showman’, ‘Cats’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’. After an initial rehearsal with conductor Benjamin Pope and his pianist the pupils were overwhelmed to hear the incredible sound of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The concert itself was hosted by Barnardo’s president Natasha Kaplinsky OBE. When the children took to the stage there was a wonderful atmosphere and energy in the concert hall with everyone singing their hearts out during the amazing evening. The pupils were supported on the evening by their parents and teachers.
Elizabeth Keetley-Smith, Head of Music & Performance at RGS The Grange said. “We are truly grateful to Barnardo’s for inviting us to this incredible event. For pupils to perform with this world class orchestra in one of the finest concert halls was simply breath taking, and will be remembered by many of us, as one of the best days of our lives”.
After the excitement of the evening the greatest highlight however arrived the next day, when it was confirmed that the event had raised an estimated £60,000 of vital funds for the Barnardo’s Charity, enabling them to help reach and support vulnerable children throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland. RGS The Grange would like to thank all of their children, parents and staff for making this a truly memorable event and helping raise money for those who need it.