On 16-17 April 2016, members of Medway Youth Orchestra and Medway Youth Choir were joined by professional musicians and singers from world-renowned ensemble, The Sixteen.

The choir and orchestra worked with The Sixteen on three pieces by Handel and were able to learn a great deal from their tutor’s expert knowledge of early music. Members of the orchestra were even able to try out period instruments such as a violin and bow made as they would have been in Handel's time.

At the end of the weekend, the choir and orchestra came together to perform all three pieces by Handel, as well as other musical works which they have been preparing for their next public concert in July. The results after only two days were wonderful, especially as this was also the first time the choir and orchestra had performed together. Their performance of Zadok the Priest by Handel was particularly inspiring!

We are very grateful for the partnership with The Sixteen and would like to thank their brilliant tutors and singers, as well as our own Medway tutors, for their continued support of our young musicians. We look forward to working with you all again!

Once again we enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of The Academy of Woodlands in Gillingham - thank you for having us.