Christmas Concert at St George's, Hanover Square

Future Talent’s annual Christmas Concert at St George’s Hanover Square was the perfect way to end an exciting and busy 2019 for the charity and the musicians it supports. 

The audience packed themselves into the beautiful Church for an eclectic selection of performances from talented Future Talent musicians. The concert was expertly compered by Ambassador and alumni Ben Weston-Conway, who charmed the audience chatting with each of the musicians before their performances, giving the evening a lovely informal feeling.

First up to perform was Alex, for whom this was a first involvement with Future Talent since receiving his award last September.

Next came performances from violinist Orchid and flautist Emily. Orchid, 12, who played alongside her regular duo partner and friend Victoria, performed a beautiful rendition of the first movement of Beethoven’s Sonata for Violin ‘Spring’.

We then heard a very impressive performance of Ligeti’s Sonata for Solo Cello – a famously tricky piece! – from new FT musician Haru.

Finally, we were treated to a performance by the FutureTalent / Youthsayers Ensemble – the product of a recent Jazz Workshop day at the Royal Academy of Music. 

The Youthsayers is a creative music opportunity for young people in the Lambeth area, and is run by Robin Hopcroft and Idris Rahman, members of international performing and recording band, Soothsayers.

Future Talent musicians Myla, Asia (vocals), Hugo (bass),Scottie (keys) and Archie (saxophone) joined forces with various members of Youthsayers, performeing a selection of reggae/dub inspired pieces by OutKast, Fela Kuti, Abyssinians arranged by the Soothsayers, including some of their own original writing.