Talented young people from the DanceEast Academy and Aldeburgh Young Musicians get a once in a lifetime chance

Talented young dancers and musicians from the DanceEast Academy and Aldeburgh Young Musicians will get a once in a lifetime chance to perform in front of 12,000 people in Christchurch Park for the Olympic Torch Relay Concert on 5 July.

The two groups - joined by members of Aldeburgh Music’s un-auditioned vocal group, Group A - have been working together on new performances specifically made for the event. There are two sections including a piece called Once In a Lifetime, with lyrics that have been written by the performers in collaboration with Christopher Mayo, inspired by their excitement about the London 2012 Olympics. The two sections, with dance choreographed by Glenn Wilkinson, will open and close the concert. The second section is a loud percussive piece of music and movement involving 50 performers. Both are celebratory in feel and will fit with the sense of occasion and excitement of welcoming the Olympic flame.

Councillor Judy Terry, Suffolk County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy, Skills, Libraries, Museums and Culture said: ‘I am delighted that Suffolk’s Olympic Torch Relay evening celebration event will provide a fitting showcase for the exceptionally talented young people that train in Suffolk with the DanceEast Academy and Aldeburgh Young Musicians. I know they will give an outstanding performance and provide the audience with a unique opportunity to see the future stars of dance and music.’

Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council's Culture portfolio-holder said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for these youngsters to shine at Ipswich's big torch relay celebration. As Ipswich is the only overnight stop in Suffolk, the town will be the centre of a great deal of public and media interest and will be a big, big day for these dancers and musicians.’

Lucy Bayliss, Head of Learning and Participation at DanceEast said: ‘We are honoured to have been asked to represent Ipswich and Suffolk at the Evening Celebration and have been working hard to devise two brand new pieces that showcase the talents of the 50 young performers. It’s been an exciting process with two amazing artists and we can’t wait to get on stage.’

Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Note to Editors

Aldeburgh Young Musicians
Aldeburgh Young Musicians (AYM) is shaping the musicians of tomorrow – pushing the boundaries of what young musicians can achieve. Aldeburgh Young Musicians provides training and development opportunities for young people aged 8 - 18 who can demonstrate exceptional musical talent and potential, irrespective of means, social or ethnic background.

DanceEast Academy
The DanceEast Academy is the Government’s East of England Centre for Advanced Training in Dance (CAT). The DanceEast Academy provides non-residential pre-vocational training that can be delivered alongside mainstream schooling. It is part of a network of centres across the country providing the very best young dancers with first-class training.

Group A
Aldeburgh Music’s Group A is an un-auditioned vocal and performance group, for 14 – 18 year olds with a passion for singing. The group works with a variety of artists, exploring a range of vocal techniques. To find out more go to www.aldeburgh.co.uk/education/youth-group-project