YOUNG MUSICIANS showcased their talents at a special concert held at The Hexagon last week.
Member of the Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra took over the Reading theatre for an evening of popular music from silver screen.
The programme included the Raiders March by John Williams, Where Eagles Dare by Rob Goodwin, Beauty and the Beast by Alan Menken, Gladiator by Hans Zimmer, The Sea Hawk (Theme) by Erich Korngold, Lawrence of Arabia Overture by Maurice Jarre, and the Magnificent Seven by Elmer Bernstein.
And watching them were a number of VIPs, including the High Sheriff of Berkshire Simon Muir, Sir Alok and Lady Sharma.
Also attending were mayors and their deputies from across the county, including the deputy mayor of Reading, Cllr Debs Edwards, and the deputy mayor of Wokingham, Cllr Beth Rowland.
The orchestra is organised by Berkshire Maestros, and they held intensive rehearsals ahead of their performance on Monday, April 3.
There are more than 110 musicians, aged from 10 to 18, and are some of the most talented musicians in the county.
Conducted by Pete Harrison, their three-day rehearsal period saw them start with their sections before coming together as a full orchestra.
Organisers say it is an intense weekend of music making.
A spokesperson said: “It is a wonderful experience for these young people to work with a guest conductor and play in large venue.
“The concert was opened by a massed string ensemble, created using the intermediate string ensembles across Berkshire at Berkshire Maestros. After the group opened the concert for BYSO, they went to watch the orchestra from the choir stalls at The Hexagon.
“The aim for this to show the younger bands what they can aspire to with their instruments.”
They added: “Overall it was a wonderful evening full of high standard music making highlighting the incredible opportunities Berkshire Maestros can give to young people in the county.
“It was also lovely to have so many invited guests come along in support of the work we do and the talent we have in Berkshire.”
Auditions for the orchestras will take place on
with auditions coming up on Saturday, July 15. Anyone interested in an audition for BYSO, or wants further information, can email: jessicawilkins@berkshiremaestros.org.uk
