It’s always wonderful to see young musicians being given a platform, and last week pupils from St Edward’s School enjoyed the rare treat of playing on a very special platform indeed — that of London’s prestigious St John’s Smith Square.

It was a privilege to part of this event, to witness the young players rising so admirably to what was an incredible occasion. It was good, too, to see different groups of players getting their chance to perform, from the concert band and chamber orchestra to the symphony orchestra. If there were any nerves at playing in this historic venue they didn’t show; all the performers appeared calm and collected, and even before they played a note they impressed with their professional demeanour.

The overture to Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, played by the concert band, was a joyous opener, capturing the character of the piece very effectively. Haydn’s Cello Concerto No.1 in C Major was a chance for three soloists to shine, and although they perhaps lacked the authority normally expected from soloists — understandably so — their technical skills and musicality were never in doubt. The orchestra impressed here too, and there were some particularly clear, sweet sounds from the violins.

The joyful mood continued with the third and fourth movements of Haydn’s Symphony No.101 in D Minor, delivered by the full force of the symphony orchestra with spirit and enthusiasm. And then, like a conjuror saving his best trick to the end, out came the chapel choirs to join the orchestra for Insanae et Vanae Curae (The Heavens are Telling) from Haydn’s The Creation. With confident playing from the orchestra, beautifully clear singing from the choir and impr-essively mature solos from Sasha Holland (soprano), James Buxton (tenor) and Tom Montgomery (bass), this was a glorious finale to a momentous occasion.