New Year celebrations kick-started by Kent County Youth Orchestra

Kent County Youth Orchestra, conducted by Michael Seal, celebrated New Year’s Eve with their Russian-themed Winter concert at Mote Hall, Maidstone. The concert at 3pm on 31^st December featured Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with soloist Vincent Barrella, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, and Glinka’s Overture to Ruslan und Lyudmila.

Orchestra Manager Hazel Bliss said of the event: “It was a delight to have Michael Seal back to conduct KCYO in an exciting programme of Russian Music and to welcome Vincent Barrella as soloist. The concert reflected the high standard of the orchestra’s playing, and their enjoyment and enthusiasm, and was a fitting end to a great winter course at Ashford School.”

Acclaimed piano soloist, Vincent Barrella commented: “The orchestra members’ patience, concentration and superb application in rehearsals and the concert gave me the freedom to express Rachmaninov’s wonderful music – they really did a fabulous job.”

Vincent Barrella studied at the Royal Academy of Music, is currently Head of Keyboard at Highgate School and visiting teacher at Tonbridge. Vincent has performed with many orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Surrey Youth, Tonbridge Philharmonic and Dartford Symphony Orchestra.

Michael Seal holds the position of Associate Conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) and has worked with many of the UK’s finest orchestras. He is frequently invited as guest conductor with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Ulster orchestras.