Pupils unite with a moral

Published 4 Dec 2008 12:00 0 Comments

A SINGING nightingale was the inspiration for a concert by primary school children.

Around 460 children from 17 schools across Reading sang Song Of The Earth by Lin Marsh, telling the story of a Chinese emperor obsessed with money, who captures a singing nightingale, but then rejects it for a prettier mechanical one.

Carol Holliday, of Reading Music Centre, whose orchestra accompanied the singers, said: "Eventually the nightingale returns with the message that 'there is a song in all of us, listen to the songs of the forest and river, forget your riches - they will not bring you happiness'."

She added: "The audience was also entertained by three younger ensembles from the Reading Music Centre, comprised of some players who have only been learning a few months to more accomplished students.

"Combined Farnaby and Clarke Brass Bands, Mockbeggar String Orchestra and Junior Wind Band performed a wide variety of pieces, demonstrating how even the youngest musicians can participate in making music together."

Friends and families of the young performers filled the Hexagon theatre in Reading on November 24 for the annual Junior Music Festival performance.

The music centre is run by Berkshire Maestros, a charity dedicated to helping children from all backgrounds enjoy playing music.

For more information call 0118 901 2370 or visit www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 04 Dec 08

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