Looking back on a year of ensemble concerts

Over the past year, nearly 400 young musicians have taken part in 35 ensemble performances — that's almost one concert each week.

Performances have included two world premiers of pieces written by two budding Southampton composers, performances by the youngest players some of whom have been playing less than a year through to blockbuster performances at prestigious venues like MAST Studios and Southampton Guildhall. The programmes have included popular classics, hits from stage and screen, traditional pieces through to modern pieces like Venables, Dutch Courage where players are given the shape of the music and they decide how to interpret this through to the rarely performed Tolga Kashif's Queen Symphony calling for a large orchestra and choir. Performances throughout the year have been exemplary.

"That was epic" - performer

"I was so scared, but I did it and now I'm proud of myself" - performer

"Throughout the year there has been awesome work from all of Southampton's young musicians and the ensemble staff and volunteers. The quality of performing from our groups is simply staggering, at times it is hard to believe those taking part are still at school or college. We are so proud of each and everyone of our performers" Zoe Hunting, Ensemble Manager