More than 1,400 young musicians from across the borough are readying themselves to play in a landmark concert at the historic Royal Albert Hall.
The concert, titled ’Ealing Together – Harmony in Diversity’, will take place on Tuesday 24 June 2025 and will bring together performers from all of the borough’s 7 towns. What makes the event truly special is the scale of its choir – more than 1,200 pupils from 40 local schools will sing together in one of the world’s most iconic venues.
Also joining the concert line-up are the Ealing Symphony Orchestra (ESO), the Ealing Youth Orchestra (EYO), the Ealing Youth Jazz Orchestra, and Cadenza – a musical programme run by Ealing Music Service (EMS) that nurtures young talent across the borough.
Ealing Music Service, part of Ealing Council, is a self-funded organisation that receives support from Arts Council England and generates income by delivering music education in schools.
For many of these young performers, taking the stage at such a major event is a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
‘It’s been on the bucket list for a long time’
Dov Trowbridge, 18, who has been playing the cello since he was 6, said: “I absolutely love it. It’s something that inspired me to improve and get better. I’ve never played the Royal Albert Hall – this will be my first time. My family are coming along to see the concert. I’m doing exams at the moment, so practice has been hit and miss, but I feel like I know the pieces very well.”
Agape Magona, also 18, is preparing for his A-levels while rehearsing on the violin. He said: “I’ve been playing for 5 years. I haven’t really played any big concerts before, so this is my first time performing in a special venue. I’ve been practicing 3 times a week—it’s been a good way to escape revision.”
Aubrée, 14, is one of the youngest violinists involved. She said: “It was really good to hear we’ll be performing there. My family is very excited. Those who understand think it’s very cool.”
The concert is also a full-circle moment for Alice Laddiman, 31, a cellist with the ESO who began her musical journey in the EYO
“It’s so lovely being back in a place I used to visit to rehearse,” she said. “It’s bringing back a lot of memories. I studied music at EYO and went on to do a music degree. I’ve played Festival Hall before, but the Albert Hall has been on the bucket list for a long time.”
Her mother, a former vice chair of EYO, will be in the audience – making the moment even more meaningful.
About the concert
Ealing Together – Harmony in Diversity is a large-scale musical celebration organised by EMS in partnership with the ESO.
The programme includes the world premiere of ‘Ada in Ealing’, a new work by local composer Laura Rossi, with a libretto by famous children’s author Michael Rosen.
The concert will also feature music by Ealing-born composers Hannah Kendall and Liz Sharma, alongside well-known works such as O Fortuna from Carmina Burana and Adiemus by Sir Karl Jenkins.
This is the first time EMS has staged an event of this scale, bringing together schoolchildren, youth ensembles, and professional musicians in a shared celebration of the borough’s rich musical talent.
Councillor Josh Blacker, cabinet member for a fairer start at Ealing Council said: “This concert is a powerful celebration of the incredible talent, diversity, and creativity of our young people. Performing at the Royal Albert Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m so proud that more than 1,400 children and young people from across the borough will be taking part. Events like this show the real impact of investing in inclusive, high-quality music education – helping every child to thrive, express themselves, and feel part of something bigger.”
Find out more about the concert including how to buy tickets visit royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2025/ealing-together-harmony-in-diversity
