There is something joyous about young people coming together to perform music and song and at no time is this more apparent than our annual Festive Concerts. I know we are in for a real treat as the next generation of talented musicians and singers from Birmingham schools perform on stage.
For many of the children taking part, this will be their first concert with one of our 113 ensembles. They follow in the footsteps of thousands of Birmingham school children who have performed both in the city and further afield. Last month for instance, our Raga and Tala Ensemble represented Birmingham at the Music for Youth Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall: a showcase of talent from across the country bringing together 1,500 young people.
For me, tonight is especially significant. I joined Services For Education in September. Since then I have been astonished and impressed by the commitment of school children, our music tutors, Birmingham schools and our partners including Arts Council England and, especially relevant tonight, the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre.
Tonight’s Festive Concert celebrates not only the time of the year but their achievements also. I hope everyone – performers, audiences and organisers – have a wonderful evening.
Seasons greetings,
Richard Mabbott
Head of Music Service