"An astonishing array of talent"

Our Gala Concert at the GlassBox Theatre Gillingham, on Friday 7 March, was the first time that we had directly arranged and organised a performance opportunity for some of our young awardees in an established commercial venue. In the run up to the event there were some anxious moments!…..How much should we charge? Would we get enough people to come? Had we overlooked anything?…. etc. But on the day, when we saw the auditorium fill with supporters, we realised it was all going to prove worthwhile.

Thanks to our Patron, The Lady Colgrain, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, who started the event with a very supportive address about our work, the event was also supported by many Kent dignitaries. This provided an additional opportunity to spread our message far and wide across the county. Those attending included deputy Lord-Lieutenant Brigadier Andrew Wood, the High Sheriff of Kent Dr Gill Fargher, mayors and mayoresses of Medway, Maidstone and Dartford, and chairs and vice chair of Sevenoaks, Folkestone & Hythe, and Dover District Councils.

The brilliant young musicians performed on a variety of instruments and the winner of the KaMYM Trust’s Passaggio Vocal Award 2024 sang three songs. Our appreciation and thanks go to the Wells’ sisters; Jennifer (violin), Rebecca (viola), Susannah (cello) and Florence (viola) along with parents Tim and Dominique; Annika Cheung (piano); Esther Lock (French horn). Also, to Leonie Carrette (2024 Passaggio winner) and her accompanist, Ronja Haller.

Our guest performers were the Kent Community Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Ciara Considine, who performed a varied and entertaining programme.

Nigel Barham, the new chair of the Trust, described how it enables talented young people of limited means to reach their musical potential; he encouraged audience members to become Friends. Past chair, Nancy Litten, was the presenter.

The event returned a useful surplus of funds for us to further help Kent’s young musicians and resulted in more applications to become Friends of the Trust. Encouraged by the success, we have plans to hold a further event next year.

“It was an honour and a privilege to be present and an absolute joy to hear the exquisite performances. Thank you for all that you do to support the vital work of the Trust.” Dr Gill Fargher, immediate past High Sheriff of Kent

“Bravo to the awesome soloists, we were blown away and will be keeping our eyes and ears open for you all in years to come!”  Sutton Valence Choral Society

Photography: Chas Bedford