King’s Lynn Festival spearheads new initiative for young musicians

A new initiative has been launched by King’s Lynn Festival to support the studies of young classical musicians across West Norfolk and beyond.

The King’s Lynn Festival Family Club will make classical concert-going more accessible and affordable thanks to preferential club ticket pricing.

A parent or carer accompanying a child under 18 who is studying music is able to attend selected events free of charge, with their child’s ticket at just £5.

The initiative is spearheaded by Ambrose Miller, artistic director of the festival, and builds on the success of the first Young Musicians’ Showcase event he organised recently held at All Saints’ Church in Lynn, in partnership with Robin Norman, director of music at the town’s Springwood High School and the West Norfolk Music Centre.

Nine young musicians aged 15 to 18 performed in the showcase.

It featured a wide variety of talented young musicians, from singers to a Marimba soloist, a pianist and a violinist.

Speaking about the Young Musicians’ Showcase, Robin Norman said: “It was fantastic to see the young musicians of West Norfolk performing to such a receptive and large audience of festivalgoers.

“It will, I’m sure, spark their interest to do other performances in the future.

“I would like to thank Ambrose Miller, and King’s Lynn Festival, for the opportunity to perform to an audience that otherwise may not know these young people even exist, and I look forward to developing these performance opportunities further with them.”

Amelie Hayle, a student at Springwood High, said: “It was wonderful to hear such beautiful music in such a beautiful setting.

“The community spirit was lovely, and I particularly enjoyed supporting each other through the performance.”

Zoe Burton of Wisbech Grammar School added: “I was happy to be invited to perform in the King’s Lynn Festival Young Musician Showcase and it was a delightful experience.

“The audience created a warm environment and playing alongside fellow students and musicians was fun.

“It’s great news that young people from King’s Lynn area can take part and show their talents in The Festival.”

Laura Vogel, of Dereham Sixth Form College, who studies at West Norfolk Music Centre, said: “It was an amazing opportunity, I’ve never done anything like it before, so it was quite nerve-racking at first, but I was blown away by the comments and congratulations from people afterwards.”

These students were joined by musicians from College of West Anglia and Alderman Peel High School of Wells.

Mr Miller said: “The Young Musicians’ Showcase featured some of the finest young classical musicians in East Anglia, all of whom are looking to pursue music as a career in the future.

“In that concert we had three musicians who have been offered scholarships at prestigious institutions including Oxford University, Wells Cathedral School and London Music Colleges.

“At King’s Lynn Festival, we are always keen to nurture rising musical stars as those are the students who will later return to perform here as world class artists.

“I wanted to offer a clear message to conscientious young classical musicians in West Norfolk that King’s Lynn Festival is here to support you and will encourage your talent.

“If your child is a keen local musician, doing well in pursuit of their graded examinations, you are invited to register your interest in joining the King’s Lynn Festival Family Club.”

To register interest in joining the King’s Lynn Festival Family Club, email: r.norman@springwoodhighschool.co.uk