PORTSMOUTH JOINS A ROYAL CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY MUSIC

Heather Uden (left), David Mallett (middle), Matt Dixon (right)

Portsmouth musicians joined a special reception hosted by his Majesty King Charles at Windsor Castle to celebrate the work of community musicians across the country.

 Matt Dixon, David Mallett and Heather Uden had the honour of representing Portsmouth Music Hub, joining around 350 guests for an evening that placed music and the people who make it - at its heart.

The celebration began with a concert featuring performances from the London Gay Men’s Chorus, students from the Royal College of Music, the Sing for Freedom Choir, and saxophonist YolanDa Brown.

David Mallett and King Charles III

During the reception, guests were treated to further performances from The Songs for Ukraine Chorus and the wonderfully inventive London Vegetable Orchestra. One of the most memorable moments came when His Majesty joined in with the orchestra, playing along with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on a carrot.

 Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said, “Portsmouth Music Hub offers an innovative, award-winning musical education to Portsmouth’s children and young people from different backgrounds, so it’s great the Music Hub and staff were part of this national celebration. It was an evening the proved once again how music brings communities together in really meaningful ways.”