PUPILS from nine schools in and around Petersfield joined 1,700 young musicians, to give the concert of a lifetime at The Royal Albert Hall.

Young people aged seven to 19 from 200 Hampshire schools, including The Petersfield School, and Selborne, Greatham, Langrish, Medstead, Rake and Weyford primary schools and Liss and Liphook junior schools, took part in the St George’s Day concert.

Organised by Hampshire County Council’s Music Service, they performed a programme that included wind, string and brass ensembles, orchestras, massed choirs, dancers and groups that specialise in samba, jazz and Japanese Taiko drumming.

Special guests were the Band of the Scots Guards, together with actors Sarah Parish as narrator, and Christian Brassington as compere.

The day also included the premiere of a newly commissioned work, ‘My World’; a thought-provoking piece highlighting humanity’s impact on our planet.

Hampshire Music Service co-ordinates bands, ensembles, orchestras and choirs for children and young people, all over the county.

Groups of young musicians from Hampshire’s ensembles and choirs have previously performed at The Royal Albert Hall, but this was the first time Hampshire Music Service’s young performers have given an entire concert at the prestigious venue.

For more information about Hampshire Music Service, and how to become involved, visit www.hants.gov.uk/hms.