THE Queen’s Hall at Queen’s College, Taunton, was filled with the sound of classical music for the inaugural Orchestral Festival.

The Southern Sinfonia, which took up residency at Queen's in 2016 only to stand back during the Covid, made a welcome return last weekend.

A group of 60 lucky young musicians from across the region spent the day at Queen’s College under the watchful eye of Southern Sinfonia’s artistic director/conductor Simon Chalk.

In collaboration with the school’s head of music, Ed Jenkins, Mr Chalk ran a one-day residential orchestral workshop where 40 young people had the opportunity to perform together in an orchestral ensemble, culminating in an impressive performance for parents and invited guests.

Throughout the day, students learned well-loved musical classics including Eric Coates’ The Dambusters March, Henry Mancini’s The Pink Panther Theme, and Mussorgsky’s The Great Gate of Kiev to later perform live.

Mr Jenkins said: "We are extremely passionate about music at Queen’s and this was an amazing opportunity for all the students who took part in this special workshop to learn from each other, gain musical confidence and make new friends. I couldn’t have been prouder of them all.”

Mr Chalk said: “We are delighted to be back in the Queen’s Hall and firmly believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience classical music, no matter what age.

"Workshops and concerts like these are an opportunity to connect with other young people with similar interests.”