Music for Youth, a music education charity that works annually with 100,000 young people across England and Wales is launching its work in Scotland with a free concert at Perth Concert Hall today (28 October 2011, 1.30pm-3.00pm).

Over the next three years, in partnership with Creative Scotland and supported by Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, Music for Youth (MFY) will expand its existing season of events to provide performance opportunities for groups from across Scotland, alongside their existing festivals in England and Wales.

The MFY Perth Prom will showcase some exceptional talent from within Scotland and provide first hand experience of live music-making in a fun and engaging environment.  A total of 1,000 school children aged 16 and under from Perth and Kinross, Fife, West Dunbartonshire and Inverness will attend. The concert, supported by Creative Scotland, is the launch event for Music for Youth’s arrival in Scotland.

David McDonald, Portfolio Manager for Youth Arts at Creative Scotland, said;

‘Creativity plays a vital role in children and young people’s development; it builds confidence and communication skills whilst at the same time developing musical talent. Through the Youth Music Initiative we are committed to creating access to high quality music making activities and the arrival of MFY in Scotland puts us one step closer to achieving this aim. The programme will see MFY work with a range of partners across Scotland to develop a series of regional events culminating in a national festival for youth music.’

The Perth Prom will be introduced by Adey Grummet, a soprano whose work encompasses an impressive combination of opera, contemporary music, writing, education and conducting. 140 young musicians aged 11-21 from across Scotland will take to the stage for the event.

In addition to the Perth launch, a unique ensemble Ceòlraidh, consisting of forty young musicians from the Highlands, Orkney, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Moray, Ayrshire and the Western Isles has been put together to perform at the Music for Youth Schools Prom at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 8 November.

“The Perth Prom and Ceòlraidh’s performance at the Schools Prom are significant events for Music for Youth, signaling the start of our work in Scotland” says Lincoln Abbotts, Music for Youth’s Chief Executive. “With the support of Creative Scotland Music for Youth will be hosting festivals in Spring 2012 in Glasgow, Perth and Inverness, showcasing local young musicians and promoting cross border collaboration.”

Source: Creative Scotland