Last night, 250 students from London and the South East came together for a first-of-its kind event to perform popular West End hits alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) and West End professionals at G Live in Guildford.
Jointly organised by ACS International Schools and the RPO, A Night at the West End gave students from nine state primary schools* and all three of ACS International School’s UK campuses – Egham, Cobham and Hillingdon – the opportunity to play, sing and perform West End classics, including Food Glorious Food and Just Can’t Wait to be King. The event was a culmination of rehearsals with the RPO and workshops with partner Performing Perfectly, which lent its expertise in theatre to help students hone their performance skills ahead of the evening.
Tim Cagney, Chief Executive at ACS International Schools, said: “It has been inspiring to see the keen enthusiasm and musical talent of so many local students being placed centre stage at tonight’s A Night at the West End performance. This event kicks off a year-long programme of initiatives, where ACS students and our partner schools will benefit from the expertise of the world renowned RPO. We are committed to our ongoing process of collaboration which serves to enrich the education of our wider partner communities and ourselves.”
Jan Harvey-Davies, Assistant Headteacher at Colham Manor Primary School, said: “We had an amazing day at A Night at the West End. It was incredible witnessing our children develop their self-confidence skills and creativity onstage, alongside leading professionals at the RPO. We are so grateful to have been invited.”
A Night at the West End is the first of many to come out of ACS International Schools’ unique year-long partnership with the RPO, which aims to enhance both the international school group and local state schools’ arts education provision by giving students exclusive access to world-class musical and production experiences with the UK’s most prestigious professional musicians.
Aaron S, a student at ACS Egham, said: “I have found this whole experience with the RPO very exciting. While I did have some nerves, it has been great fun and we had a brilliant time this evening. This opportunity has given me a boost in confidence in my own abilities as well as knowing how to play with other instruments. I really enjoy being at ACS Egham, I think this is quite a life changing experience!”
The event also celebrates the ACS International Schools’ exciting new Arts Pathway programme, which launches next year and will engage talented students in the creative arts.
Rosie Peskett, Partnerships Manager at ACS International School Hillingdon, said: “This event has been pivotal in realising our goal to offer high quality learning enrichment opportunities to all students, no matter their educational background. We are incredibly grateful to the RPO for supporting this initiative and are excited to see how young people across London, Surrey and Doha will benefit throughout the year.”
Huw Davies, Deputy Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, said: “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is proud to be collaborating with ACS International Schools, supporting the Arts Pathway programme. Together, the RPO and ACS International Schools are providing a range of opportunities that allow students from ACS International Schools and their partner schools to engage in music-making initiatives alongside members of the Orchestra.
“This most recent project at G Live has provided students of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to perform with professional musicians at a commercial arts venue, developing students’ confidence and creativity and raising aspirations for the future. The RPO looks forward to developing its partnership with ACS International Schools and to collaborating on many more exciting live performance projects in the future.”
Categories: ACS International School Egham ACS International School Hillingdon School News
