Young musicians to play at Stoke's Victoria Hall

More than 500 children will take part in Stoke-on-Trent's 2012 Recorder Festival with the City Music Service.

Two performances will take place at Victoria Hall this Tuesday (March 27) with lunchtime and evening concerts.

Special guests will include the City Youth Recorder Ensemble and Stoke's Anna Bradburn.

Music Service Acting Leader Harry Hitchen said: “We are looking forward to it because, although it requires a huge amount of organisation, the children gain so much from participating.”

Children from 25 City schools aged between 6 and 18 will be performing.

The City Youth Recorder Ensemble is a City Music Service ensemble who have an above average level of accomplishment.

“We always look forward to hearing them,” Harry added. “They are an inspiration for the younger children.”

Recorder player Anna Bradburn attends the prestigious Chethams Music School in Manchester.

“Anna started playing the recorder at the age of 3 with her mother, who is a musician and works for the City Music Service.”

Stoke's City Music Service continues to have a positive influence on the lives of around 8,000 children and young people. It provides a musical education and many performance and developmental opportunities.

The event aims to provide an inclusive cultural experience for both parents and children.

“Children have the opportunity to perform in a large professional venue, which both they and their parents may never have visited.

“In the massed items, the children learn the importance of teamwork and concentration.”

The concerts will begin at 12:00 and 18:45.

Tickets can be bought through the Regent Theatre Box Office by calling 01782 213 800.