Two years ago today: 600 young musicians perform at the Royal Albert Hall

It was on Monday 5 November 2018 when 600 young musicians performed on the world-famous stage at the Royal Albert Hall: one of the biggest, most inclusive ensembles ever to do so!

The momentous performance was made possible thanks to Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and was a huge celebration of their 125th anniversary, seeing 400 young musicians from Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hubs joined by 200 from Poole and Bournemouth Music Hub, Soundstorm.

Two years on, on Thursday 5 November 2020, as England begins a second national lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, huge massed performances like this one can feel so far away. However, all the children, young people, teachers and music leaders who took part in the event — and other inspirational events like it — all hold on to unforgettable memories of making music with others.

It is these memories that keep us all motivated to continue to enjoy music wherever we are — in school, at home, or elsewhere — and to look forward to days in the future when we will be able to make music together with so many others once again.