Students thrilled to perform in West End

Conducted by popular composer Alexander L’Estrange, students and staff joined a host of schools from all across the country to perform songs from Zimbe! on Monday.

Those involved were all part of United Learning – a group of state and independent schools located across the country from Portsmouth to Carlisle.

The musical is an imaginative fusion of traditional African song and jazz in a choral piece that seeks to bring communities together.

Given the geographic spread of the schools, students had been rehearsing their parts alone for months, with very few opportunities to practise as one ensemble choir before the final show-stopping performance.

Catherine Barker, head of music and performing arts for United Learning, said: “I am immensely proud of all the students and staff that have performed in and helped organise such a spectacular event.

“I am particularly pleased with the feedback from students and staff who have said how much they enjoyed the opportunity to get together with other schools to perform.

“Events like this one show off the uniqueness of a group like United Learning as a true partnership between state and independent schools.”

Jon Coles, chief executive of United Learning, said: “One of the advantages of being a national group of schools is that we can bring our most talented pupils together from all over the country to participate in events like this.

“An opportunity to sing in a magnificent theatre like the Lyceum is an ambition that many have but few have the chance to realise. So it’s been wonderful to see our singers enjoy the experience and come together to perform.”

Sally Tidbury, head of music, said: “It was a wonderful event to be part of. Students relished the opportunity to perform at the Lyceum. They all took the experience in their stride and thoroughly enjoyed singing alongside other students from across the United Learning group.”

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