Young Wolverhampton musicians to tour Spain

A 75-strong team of musicians from Wolverhampton Music Service's Youth Orchestra and Youth Wind Orchestra will travel to Spain for the upcoming endeavour.

The youngsters, who all attend schools across the city, will travel to the Palencia region of the country to flaunt their talents at a string of music festivals.

Councillor Dr Hardacre, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Every year the two orchestras take part in a foreign tour at the start of the summer break.

"Music is an important part of a young person's education, and Wolverhampton Music Service provides quality teaching for children and young people across the city.

“On Friday, I had the privilege of being able to hear the concert programme that the orchestras will be taking on tour – they will be superb ambassadors for the city and for its artistic abilities.”

The musicians are set to perform an eclectic mix of music by Holst, Rossini, Borodin, Sparke, Smetana and Kabalevsky.

Before departing, they stole the spotlight at St John’s in the Square Church with a special preview of their tunes.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Claire Darke praised the young people for championing youth music in Wolverhampton.

She said: "I am sure I speak for everyone when I say this concert gave us the perfect opportunity to applaud the talents and commitment of both our young musicians and their teachers and to acknowledge the support of parents.

"My congratulations and best wishes for the future go to all of them; in particular, special mention must be made of our Young Musician of the Year Janey Harold, playing Kabalevsky’s Cello Concerto."

The tour received valuable sponsorship from The James Beattie Charitable Trust, fbc Manby Bowdler Solicitors and Wolverhampton’s six Rotary Clubs.