In a truly unforgettable evening at the Barbican, Music Masters Flagship Schools alumni had the extraordinary opportunity to perform alongside world-renowned cellist and Music Masters patron Sheku Kanneh-Mason and his talented siblings: Isata, Braimah, Mariatu, Jeneba, Konya, and Aminata. Their performance of chamber music favourites and the Carnival of the Animals was expertly narrated by award-winning writer Sir Michael Morpurgo, much to the audience’s delight!

The performance featured a vibrant rendition of Czardas, with our Grad Ambassador Ana Neves, currently in her final year at Trinity College of Music, joined by Champions Libi, Anna-Lea, Eric, and Stella—the latter just in Year 7. Their presence on stage posed huge challenges for them, musically and in so many other ways – a powerful symbol of what’s possible for young musicians from diverse backgrounds, when they have the right support.

Earlier in the day, younger pupils from our Flagship Schools were invited to observe rehearsals, offering them a glimpse into a future they could aspire to. Seeing Stella, a peer close to their own age, perform with such accomplished artists was an important step for them to feel that such a future may be within their reach.

This landmark event was made possible by the tireless efforts of the small but mighty Music Masters team, with invaluable support from the Kanneh-Mason family  and various teams behind the scenes including Decca Classics, and the Barbican. Special thanks go to the exceptional professional musicians who joined the ensembles, Samira Ahmed and Andi Oliver, whose inspiring speeches and pre-concert talk helped spotlight the transformative work Music Masters is doing.

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