TALENTED young musicians from across Reading and Wokingham were among those who performed a concert they’ll never forget: it took place in Windsor Castle.
Members of the Berkshire Youth String Ensemble and Berkshire Youth Choir took part in the opening concert of this year’s Windsor Festival, held last month.
The first event, held in St George’s Chapel, featured winners of contests for string, piano and voice competitions, while the second half saw all participants come together to perform Bach’s Watchet Auf and Handel’s Zadok the Priest.
One of the young musicians, Sarah Jane Butler, said: “The venue was breathtaking, and I can’t express the amount of joy I felt at being able to sing alongside the orchestra and organ on the day.”
Berkshire Music Trust’s team said they were proud of students and staff for being a part of the incredible concert and thanked Windsor Festival for the opportunity.
Jonathan Burnett, head of strings and student Pathways for Berkshire Music Trust – the new name for Berkshire Maestros – said: “This concert was the first in the most wonderful venue since Covid.
“Students from all areas of the county came together to put on this concert, which will live in the memory for a very long time to come.”
And Christopher Hann, the youth choir’s artistic director, said the performance was a real honour and privilege.
“The opening declaration of Zadok the priest in Handel’s Great Coronation anthem was truly spine-tingling and something that I am sure none of our young musicians will ever forget,” he added.
For more details, log on to: www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk
