We are delighted to report that three Senior School pupils have made it into the UK’s National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain – hailed as ‘the world’s greatest orchestra of teenagers.’
Y13 pupil, Aki, who has been in the NYO for four years already, has been promoted to Leader, an incredible achievement and the first time in Highgate’s history. He is joined by Y11 pupils Yevi and Cara, who will perform in the Tuba section.
Responding to the news, Aki said, “Having been in the orchestra for four years already, I’m super excited to have the opportunity to lead it! It’s always been a dream and I’m looking forward to all the events during this NYO year.”
Yevi added, “I didn’t expect to get in because there were so many great players, but I am so happy and excited that I did. The music line-up this year is incredible, and I can’t believe I am going to get the opportunity to play at the BBC Proms. It’s pretty special.”
Highgate’s music provision is extensive across both curricular and co-curricular opportunities, offering instrumental and vocal pathways to nurture development from Year 3 and up. Aki currently takes jazz piano and singing lessons, as well as being a member of Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Chorale, Consort, Chapel Choir, and the school musical.
Similarly, Yevi has immersed himself in the musical life of the school, forming part of Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, all the Brass ensembles, Sinfonia and then Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Jazz Band, Big Band, as well as singing with Chorale and he has just got into Consort in Year 11.
Yevi said: “It’s a great feeling to be with people who love music as much as you do and for whom music means so much. It’s like you belong together. We really get each other and when you are playing in such a big orchestra full of so many talented people, the feeling you get is brilliant. It is difficult to put into words.”
Jonathan Murphy, Director of Music at Highgate, enthused: ‘We are so proud of Aki, Yevi and Cara; this is an outstanding achievement for all three of them! They are amazing ambassadors for the music department and as is clear from the wide range of activities they are involved in, they are 100% committed to the musical life of the school. Yevi and Cara started tuba lessons together in Y5 so for them to be playing together in the NYO is a wonderful story. I am so excited to see them all perform in the BBC Proms next year and for Aki to be walking out onto the stage as Leader of the NYOGB is going to be amazing!”
Find out more about Highgate’s music provision here.
