Celebrating musical anniversary
youngsters perform at Aviemore Highland Resort
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ALMOST 250 of the Highlands’ most talented young musicians performed in a 20th anniversary gala concert at the Aviemore Highland Resort on Saturday to celebrate two decades of the council’s regional music groups.
The Osprey Arena resounded to a comprehensive range of music, from the pipes and ceilidh bands to big band, wind and string orchestras and a youth orchestra.
Tonight many of the musicians will switch venue to Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. Highland Futures, a showcase featuring accomplished musicians from 12 Highland secondary schools and Inverness primaries, will further demonstrate the quality and diversity of music making in the north’s schools.
The council’s music development officer, Norman Bolton, said: “The benefits of these events is immeasurable, both musically and socially, for all those involved.
“It is a credit to all the staff, pupils and families involved that we can stage such ambitious events and know that there will be a high level of support for them.”
Rory Slater, 16, a Culloden Academy fifth-year pupil and seasoned percussionist with the Highland schools wind band, said: “It’s a huge event, massive. It’s very exciting and I think the bands are sounding better than ever.”
Maintaining the momentum, an annual Highland cello and double bass day will follow tomorrow between 1-4pm at the Merkinch Centre in Inverness. Young players from across Highland will meet for the day and get coaching from some of the region’s leading instructors.
