Emerging Talent

We are committed to uncovering and developing talent within Colchester and the surrounding Essex/Suffolk communities. Working with local schools and other partner organisations, not only do we create pathways for young people to experience the highest quality performances within easy reach of their homes, but we also enhance instrumental learning and prowess through providing exceptionally gifted young people with performance opportunities where they take centre stage.

Side-by-Side

Side-by-Side gives young musicians the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside professionals, learning new and often challenging repertoire and gaining a deeper understanding of popular orchestral works. Working towards a concert billed as part of the main Festival, these students are given the opportunity to develop their individual playing and work within an ensemble that forms a unique part of our programme, nurturing the orchestral players and potential future soloists!

Spotlight Performers

Through our Spotlight Performers project we select up to 6 young people every year who will be given the opportunity to perform at the start of a Roman River Music concert, either within one of our festivals or at satellite events throughout the year, including our special series at the Mercury Theatre. This can mean giving someone their first professional performance platform in front of an audience of up to 450 people.

The young performer plays a piece, either on their own or with piano accompaniment, of not more than 5 minutes duration, at the start of a concert. During rehearsal, they have the opportunity to meet and learn from the professional musician/s who will be performing after them. They are then able to watch the professionals in concert. Where possible we link students and performers either on the same instrument or looking at appropriate repertoire. Other opportunities to extend the young people’s connection with Roman River Music include writing blogs or more formal concert reviews, which can help students progress towards Arts Awards.