22 February 2014
Newsdesk
Ten young vocalists joined singer-songwriter Jake Bugg live on stage last night during his sell-out Albert Sessions concert at the world famous Royal Albert Hall.
The teenagers from schools in the Tri-Borough Music Hub performed backing vocals for his song ‘Broken’ to an ecstatic audience of more than 5,000 people.
The unique performance was part of the Hall’s education programme, which offers young people in London and beyond the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the finest musical artists on the scene.
Jake said: “I thought the kids sounded great: their accompaniment was exactly what I imagined – a choir part – and they nailed it.”
Sahar Bayer, 16, from St Marylebone School, said: “It’s such an honour. I feel fantastic. It’s quite surreal to actually be part of it, to perform in the Royal Albert Hall.
“I’ve always had this dream and it’s actually happening. It’s so bizarre and it’s such a privilege.”
Vocalist Katie Jimenez, 17, from Grey Coat Hospital school, said it had been a night to remember.
“It was just the best thing: performing in the Royal Albert Hall with someone who inspires you, and in front of such a huge audience. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.
“I was really excited, speechless, when I found out about the event. Hopefully one day I will be doing the same thing for some teenagers.”
The gig followed a workshop at the Hall earlier this week where the 10 students rehearsed with Jake in the venue’s Elgar Room.
The students were given the chance to work on their vocals and pick up valuable tips on life in the music business.
Other headline acts that will be carrying out music workshops ahead of their forthcoming Albert Sessions concerts in 2014 include recent chart toppers, The 1975, and classical trumpeter and winner of three Classical BRIT Awards, Alison Balsom.
