EIGHT young musicians gave a once in a lifetime performance alongside the London Symphony Orchestra at the Olympic Opening Ceremony on Friday.

They performed Nimrod from the 'Enigma' Variations by Elgar, as well as 'And I will Kiss' which was played during the Industrial Revolution section of the extravaganza.

The musicians, Katharina Beck, Inova Lee, Benjamin Norris, Joey O'Neill, Afua Osei-Asibey, Aaran Vijayakumaran, Daniel Swani and Aileen Walsh, perform with Redbridge Music Service and are all aged between 13 and 15.

The group play a mixture of instruments, including violins, clarinets, a flute and a trumpet.

Benjamin Norris, 13, said: "It was an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget."


Inova Lee, 13, said: "It was an incredible experience and something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. The atmosphere in the stadium was amazing."

Head of Redbridge Music Service, Eric Forder, said: "I was very proud of them. I thought it was a great honour for them to be a part of the show.

"They are great ambassadors for the borough."

The eight lucky musicians were chosen after meeting the criteria set by the London Symphony Orchestra, as part of a long-standing partnership between the two organisations.


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