Almost 500 young musicians and a massed choir of 1,000 schoolchildren from across the borough performed to a full house in Wembley on Wednesday 13 July.
In a show of musical harmony, ‘Brent Makes Music: There’s a Place for Us’ was a celebration of Brent, community, diversity and belonging.
The event was organised by Brent Music Service (BMS) who support children and young people throughout the borough to receive an excellent music education and to reach for the stars.
The service’s 22 children's ensembles from every corner of Brent, joined together to perform a diverse range of music. Songs included an emotive rendition of ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story, K’Naan’s - ‘Wavin’ Flag’ and the Finale from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
This year’s Brent Young Musician of the Year, Nathaniel Merkies, wowed with a stunning performance of the classical guitar piece ‘Cavatina’ accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
This was followed by a touching rendition of ‘Home’ from the 1975 Broadway musical, The Wiz by Danielle Opoku from St Claudine's Catholic School for Girls in Harlesden.
And, the event saw the long-anticipated first live performance of Brent’s Anthem ‘Sparks Fly’ written by composer James Redwood and the young people of Brent.
1000 pupils from 40 schools and almost 500 BMS musicians were joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the breath-taking premier performance of the borough’s new anthem.
Cllr Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools at Brent Council said:
“This was a truly phenomenal event and a memory our children and young people will never forget.
After a two-year delay due to the pandemic, it was wonderful to finally see our children and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra come together to proudly perform Brent’s Anthem - ‘Sparks Fly’.
