A special evening at Lancaster House

Supporters were enchanted by performances from six of our gifted young musicians at a special event at Lancaster House.
May 26, 2022

On Thursday 19 May, we welcomed some of our supporters to Lancaster House in London for a special evening of performances from our young musicians.

Upon arriving, guests enjoyed a selection of classic jazz melodies courtesy of saxophonist Shia, pictured below, in a performance which sparkled even more than his splendid attire!


Guests made their way to the Long Gallery, where they were met by Future Talent’s co-founders Nicholas Robinson and Katharine Kent as well as the charity’s President, Sir Mark Elder.

Katharine delighted in welcoming guests to Lancaster House


After inviting guests to congratulate Shia on his wonderful opening to the evening, Nick and Sir Mark spoke about the charity’s latest activities, challenges and plans for the future.

Nick warmly welcomed Dr Hannah French to take over proceedings, who presented the concert and chatted with each performer throughout the evening.

Broadcaster and musicologist Dr Hannah French guided proceedings masterfully


The concert got underway with a delightfully contrasting programme delivered by violinist Casey-Joan, starting with Debussy followed by a jazzy number in Jimmy McHugh’s Sunny Side of the Street, utilising both accompanists – Mark Kinkaid and Robbie Robson – in the process.


Percussionist Yuma followed with impressively fiery renditions on the sprawling marimba of Santangelo’s Furioso Tango and then Koshinski’s Caeidoscópio.


Next, while remaining in the world of percussion, the audience were transported by Dilraj’s beguiling performance on his tabla. Performing a work in three parts written by his teacher, Shahbaz Hussain, Dilraj shared the passion that has been passed down through his family with a captivated audience.


Nahuel took up his bassoon next to perform the movement of Weber’s Bassoon Concerto in E minor, followed by a most impressive and controlled performance of Csárdás by Vittorio Monti.


The final performance of the evening came from cellist and former Junior Programme musician Yoko. A fitting close to a special evening, Yoko treated our ears to a most emotive and heartfelt rendition of the famous first movement from Elgar’s Cello Concerto which left the audience in rapturous cheers and applause.


Donations in support of the evening will go towards ourJunior and Development Programme for 2022-23, providing financial support and a variety of masterclasses, workshops and mentoring sessions to over 100 young musicians from low-income backgrounds.

If you would like to support our work, you can do so here.

📸 Photography by Kt Bruce.

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