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Celebration of Youth Music & Song

 

The second "Celebration of Youth Music and Song" organised by the Rotary Club of Plympton and Soroptimists International Plymouth & District has proved to be a great success.

The evening marked the end of a week long collaboration between the two clubs, raising funds for the Children's Hospice South West "Precious Lives" appeal.  The previous week had seen a wishing tree in House of Fraser at which, for a small donation, people where able to place their wishes.  This was just the prelude to a great evening of music and song by some fantastic young performers from around the South West. 

BBC Spotlight news presenter Aysha Iqbal welcomed the throngs to the evening, which was opened by the South West Camerata with Tchaikovsky's "String Serenade Finale".

They were followed by Luke Faber, winner of this year's "Young Singer of the Year" competition – organised by the Rotary Clubs of Plympton and Torpoint Eddystone.

Luke was followed by the Ridgeway Singers, from Ridgeway School in Plympton who performed songs from the musicals "Wicked" and "Les Miserables".

Laura Deignan and Charlotte Evans, a clarinet duo from Devonport High School followed before the South West Camerata returned with a lively jig by Phillip Buttall.  The finale saw all the performers join together to perform "Circle of Life" from "The Lion King".

 

There can be no doubt, with many stories appearing in the news these days showing youngsters in a bad light, this concert showed that there is a lot to be proud of with the multitude of talent of our youngsters in the South West.

Clare Thomas from the Rotary Club of Plympton said "It was an outstanding success, a great atmosphere and the musical talent exceptional. Although, due to the recession we didn't make as much as last year, the audience had a superb evenings entertainment." These sentiments where echoed by Soroptimist Sylvia Bedbrook who said "We are so proud of all these young people giving up their time to help other youngsters not as fortunate as themselves.  And to produce such a glorious evening of music was a real bonus."

The two clubs are also pleased to report that this year approximately £4,100 was raised for Children's Hospice South West and the organising committee would like to thank, House of Fraser, the University of Plymouth, Brittany Ferries, Air South West and the Duke of Cornwall Hotel as well as all of the other companies who supported the event in various ways. 

Celebration of Youth Music & Song

Sunday 19th September 2010

Theatre 1, Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth

The Celebration of Music & Song in 2009 was so successful in raising £5000 for Children's Hospice Precious Lives Appeal that is was decided to repeat the venture in 2010.  "With the support of the University of Plymouth, sponsorship by the Foster Charitable Trust and the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, it promises to be another successful concert" says Soroptimist Sylvia Bedbrook, Chairman of the concert organising committee.

The concert starts at 7pm on the 19th September in the Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth.  Tickets cost £12 available from the Box Office 01752 585050 and on the door.

The concept of a concert celebrating Youth was the idea of Plymouth Soroptimists and with the Rotary Club of Plympton co-organising a Plymouth Young Singer of the Year Competition, it seemed an ideal opportunity to form a partnership.

Clare Thomas of the Rotary Club of Plympton says "It is very exciting to be able to provide a showcase for the talents of local young musicians, supplying excellent entertainment for our audience and raising funds for such a deserving cause."

The acts included on the bill are:

South West Camerata

A unique youth group of string players that offer creative opportunities in musical performance and professional development for all ages.  The ensemble have been invited to perform a concert and international project partnership tour as a main part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with West Dunbartonshire Council Youth Orchestra, and the Yong In Youth Orchestra from Korea.  The project is part of a long term plan to build links between "Joined Up Thinking Project" Music and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for future years.  They have also recently been nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Education.

Clarinet Duo from Devonport High School for Girls - Laura Deignan & Charlotte Evans

Laura Deignan and Charlotte Evans are both pupils at Devonport High School for Girls with clarinet as their main instrument.  They have both recently passed ABRSM Grade 8 and are currently studying for the Dip ABRSM.  They are members of several bands in Plymouth and the South West and have had great fun playing clarinet and saxophone for the Wrangler's productions of 'Guys 'n' Dolls' and 'Hairspray', earlier this year.

The Ridgeway Singers

The Ridgeway School Choir comprises of approximately 50 girls and boys aged 11 – 18. They perform regularly throughout the year at events in and out of school; the most notable being the annual turning on of the Christmas Lights in Plymouth. They have also sung in the National Festival of Music for Youth 2008 and 2009 as well as performing at the 2010 Rotary District 1290 Conference.

Winner of the Rotary District 1290 Young Singer of the Year Competition - Luke Faber

Luke has been singing for as long as he can remember, often in church or at school functions.  It wasn't until he won the Rotary District 1290 Young Singer of the Year Competition (Junior Section) in 2005 that it became a larger part of his life.  Since then he has sung at a number of Rotary events including the District 1290 conference in 2008.  This year he won the senior section of the Rotary District 1290 Young Singer of the Year Competition.

Anne Towill, said "I am honoured to be President of the Plymouth and District Soroptimists at our second Celebration of Youth Music and Song. It is such a very special event, not only raising money for Children's Hospice South West but in celebrating the young people of our county and the outstanding music they create."   Joining Anne in these sentiments is Christine Carmichael, President of the Rotary Club of Plympton "This concert is a wonderful event to be repeating between the Rotary Club of Plympton and the Plymouth and District Soroptimists working in partnership.  We would also like to pass our grateful thanks to our sponsors and supporters.  With their help we hope to enjoy yet another prestigious event."