Music for Youth launches callout for pianists to perform at MFY Proms

UK music charity Music for Youth (MFY) has today launched a search for two young pianists to perform at its Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Bringing together more than 3,000 young musicians, the two-night event set to take place next month will be based around the theme of ‘a thank you note’ to music teachers across the UK.

Pianists aged between four and 21 are encouraged to submit a recording of themselves performing Bach's Prelude in Cm (Well Tempered Clavier) and Chopin Nocturne in Em op 72 no 1 before the application deadline of 24 October. Successful applicants will perform as part of MFY’s Creative Project featuring the largest massed ensemble that the charity has ever produced and a specially commissioned ‘Family Chorus’.

MFY ambassador Jack Pepper, who composed and arranged the creative project to thank his own piano teacher Mike, said: ‘This is a hugely personal campaign for me - a tribute to my own piano teacher, who turns 80 next year… We want to celebrate the unsung heroes of music education - the support structures around our young people, the little-publicised names behind famous musicians, these real-life dream makers who give young people vital confidence as much as they do technical expertise.’

Musical groups of any genre can now sign up to form part of the MFY Proms massed ensemble, while families can sign up to sing in the ‘Family Chorus’. The performances will take place on 14 and 15 November with young musicians from over 100 schools coming to the capital to perform while thank you notes and video messages dedicated to inspirational music teachers will be shared throughout the evening.

MFY chief executive Phil Castang said: ‘The Proms is always a highlight of Music for Youth’s year, but this year’s event is particularly special as we recognise not only the incredible talent of young musicians, but the extraordinary influence of music teachers from across the country. Music teachers transform lives and empower young people in ways that stay with them for life, so we wanted to provide students with an opportunity to express their gratitude on a grand scale.’