ACS & RPO’s A Night at the West End Inspires Surrey Students

On December 11th, 250 students from Egham and across Surrey came together for a first-of-its kind event to perform popular West End hits alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) and West End professionals at G Live in Guildford.

Jointly organised by ACS International Schools and the RPO, A Night at the West End gave students from nine state primary schools, including Thorpe Lea Primary School and St Judes Church of England School in Egham, the opportunity to play, sing and perform West End classics, including Food Glorious Food and Just Can’t Wait to be King. The event was a culmination of rehearsals with the RPO and workshops with partner Performing Perfectly, which lent its expertise in theatre to help students hone their performance skills ahead of the evening.

Lisa Rickett, Teacher at Thorpe Lea Primary School, said: “The day was absolutely brilliant and so well organised; we are thrilled to have been a part of such a special day. Our children have gained so much from the opportunity and watching them engage with experts, such as the RPO, has been wonderful.”

Mark Wilson, Head of School at ACS International School Egham, said:

Music has long been an important part of the curriculum at ACS Egham. We are so proud to provide exciting and engaging opportunities for our own students, as well as those from our partner schools, so that they can showcase their creativity with the very best in the industry. It has been inspiring to see the emerging talent on display today and we are looking forward to seeing how this year’s partnership with the RPO will continue to enrich students’ creative education.

A Night at the West End is the first of many events to come out of ACS International Schools’ unique year-long partnership with the RPO, which aims to enhance both the international school group and local state schools’ arts education provision by giving students exclusive access to world-class musical and production experiences with the UK’s most prestigious professional musicians.

Aaron S, a student at ACS Egham, said: “I have found this whole experience with the RPO very exciting. While I did have some nerves, it has been great fun and we had a brilliant time this evening. This opportunity has given me a boost in confidence in my own abilities as well as knowing how to play with other instruments. I really enjoy being at ACS Egham, I think this is quite a life changing experience!”

The event also celebrates the ACS International Schools’ exciting new Arts Pathway programme, which launches next year and will engage talented students in the creative arts.

Huw Davies, Deputy Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, said: “The RPO is proud to be collaborating with ACS International Schools, supporting the Arts Pathway programme. Together, the RPO and ACS International Schools are providing a range of opportunities that allow students from ACS International Schools and their partner schools to engage in music-making initiatives alongside members of the Orchestra.

“This most recent project at G Live has provided students of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to perform with professional musicians at a commercial arts venue, developing students’ confidence and creativity and raising aspirations for the future. The RPO looks forward to developing its partnership with ACS International Schools and to collaborating on many more exciting live performance projects in the future.”