Your First 1812

Available for over a year

Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is well known to music lovers and is performed frequently in concert halls all over the country. It's such an established orchestral perennial that most musicians could probably play it without even looking at the music. But all professional musicians have to start somewhere and many of them will have played in youth orchestras in their early musical lives. Amersham Music Centre in Buckinghamshire is one of many local authority Saturday music schools around the country which nurture the talent and enthusiasm of budding young musicians. Children from the ages of 7 upwards are encouraged to sing, play an instrument and develop a love of music. Sarah Taylor has been eavesdropping on the Senior Orchestra as they prepare for their first ever performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The conductor, Fiona Jacob and the children share their nerves and excitement as they try and master this tricky piece. Producer: Sarah Taylor.