Sheku Kanneh-Mason joins young cellists for a massed cello performance at The Glasshouse after tour of the region

Informal concourse performance ends a week of concerts with Royal Northern Sinfonia across the North.

Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason joined young cellists from The Glasshouse’s Young Sinfonia and Centre for Advanced Training programmes on Sunday 18 October for a rehearsal and a free, informal performance on The Glasshouse Concourse. They were joined by tutors, players from Royal Northern Sinfonia and alumni of The Glasshouse’s education programmes, forming a massed cello ensemble of 24 cellos.

The day was part of The Glasshouse’s Make Music Young People programme. After a rehearsal in Northern Rock Foundation Hall, the cellists performed on the concourse at lunchtime to a public audience. The Glasshouse’s Lunchtime Concerts, a series of free mini performances that take place throughout the year on Sundays. They’re a chance to hear the music the young musicians have been working on, from classical pieces to folk tunes and brand-new compositions.

The programme included:
Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 1, second movement, ‘Preludio-Modinha’
Klengel: ‘Hymnus’
Gershwin: ‘Summertime’
Joplin: ‘The Entertainer’

Sheku Kanneh-Mason said: “After my concerts in Middlesbrough, Kendal and then here at The Glasshouse this week, it was a really special conclusion to hear the young cellists play in the rehearsal and then to join them out on the Concourse, on Sunday morning. The next generation of musicians matters so much and I loved seeing all the enthusiasm and hearing the talent.”

Sheku won BBC Young Musician in 2016, performed at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018 and in 2020 became the first cellist to reach the UK Top 10, with his album Elgar. His albums have sold over 100,000 copies worldwide. He spent the week performing with Royal Northern Sinfonia and its Music Director, Dinis Sousa, at Middlesbrough Town Hall on 15 October, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, on 16 October and Westmorland Hall, Kendal, on 17 October, with a programme of Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1, Sibelius’ Symphony No. 3 and Grieg’s Peer Gynt.

For the young cellists, it was a rare chance to play alongside Sheku Kaneh-Mason.

Thomas, 13 (Centre for Advanced Training) said:
“It was wonderful having a great cellist come into The Glasshouse. It’s not every day you get to play at such a high level with so many other cellists. We’ve learned to play as a group more, and it helps generate a really good sound. I’ll remember how wonderful it is to play with these people who are so good.”

Shuquan, 15 (Young Sinfonia and Centre for Advanced Training) said:
“With Sheku it was really fun and a really good experience. It’s my first time playing with a world-class musician, and watching him lead the ensembles was really inspiring. He listened to us and he really enjoyed it. When he joined in, it just sounded so together. I’ll remember his playing style and meeting him. 24 cellos playing together, I’ve never had an experience like that before, and I won’t forget it for a long, long time.”

Working with visiting artists is something The Glasshouse regularly offers its young musicians. Recently, Quay Voices took part in a workshop with singers from African Soul Rebels, who performed at The Glasshouse earlier this month. Young Musicians have also worked with Frankie Archer, The Unthanks and John Wilson. In November, young musicians will spend time in workshops and rehearsals with jazz pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie.

James Craig, Principal Study Leader/Sub Principal Cello said: “Opportunities like this show young musicians what’s possible. Playing alongside Sheku, and next to professional players from Royal Northern Sinfonia, gives them a glimpse of what a career or lifelong love and involvement with music can look like, and the confidence to do it. We’re grateful to Sheku for making it such a relaxed and joyful occasion.”

The Centre for Advanced Training is part of The Glasshouses weekend school, which has non-auditioned, inclusive ensembles, bands and choirs for young people of all ages, and applications are open all year round. To find out more visit https://theglasshouseicm.org/make-music/young-people/ or contact youngmusicians@theglasshouseicm.org