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A group of 50 GCA students recently enjoyed an inspiring visit to the Barbican, where they attended The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, a special session delivered by the London Symphony Orchestra for schools.

The trip brought together students from Years 7, 8 and 9, including both talented instrumentalists and those with a growing appreciation for music. It was a fantastic opportunity for all to experience the power and excitement of a live orchestra in one of London’s most iconic venues.

During the session, students were introduced to the different sections of the orchestra, with each group of instruments showcased individually. This gave them a deeper understanding of how the orchestra works as a whole. The experience was further enriched by a stunning performance featuring music by three distinguished women composers, Grażyna Bacewicz, Louise Farrenc and Florence Price.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the thrilling performance of the Star Wars score, played by the London Symphony Orchestra who famously recorded the original film soundtrack. This was a clear favourite among our students and brought the session to an unforgettable close.

Our students were a credit to the school, engaging fully with the experience and embracing the opportunity to immerse themselves in live orchestral music. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and curiosity, and we hope this visit has sparked a lasting interest in classical music while deepening their understanding of the orchestra and enriching their cultural capital.