Sixth formers play with the BBC Symphony Orchestra

Two Year 12 pupils, Alex and Rachel, played Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London on Saturday 12 November. The "Come and Play" event was the first orchestral event the BBC have held in this format and they were incredibly impressed with the fantastic sound that the orchestra created.

The criteria for entry was that performers had to be of Grade 8 standard. Alex passed his Grade 8 Cello whilst in Year 9 and Rachel passed her Grade 8 Cello in Year 10 - both with Distinction.

The BBC are producing a Radio 3 package about the day and this will be broadcast on Thursday 24th November between 2 and 4.30pm. The BBC are making the event available online, along with some of the recordings which were made on the day.

"To play with any professional orchestra is a joy in itself, but to have the opportunity to perform an entire symphony, especially of  that calibre, with one of the foremost orchestras in  Europe was one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. All the players I spoke to gave me invaluable advice and I felt truly honoured to be part of something as incredible as that," said Alex.

Alex and Rachel were then joined by fellow Year 12 pupil, Sarah, to sing in Westminster Abbey on Sunday 13 November.

"We had anticipated it to be a great weekend, but each aspect of it completely exceeded our expectations. I feel so honoured to have played with the BBC Symphony Orchestra; to then work with Howard Goodall in Westminster (click here to link to this news story) was incredible. We performed the Oratorio in the Poet's  Corner of the Abbey which was exciting enough, but the addition of singing  a fantastic piece of music and being conducted by one of the best modern composers was quite overwhelming," said Rachel.