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Over 450 musicians, aged as young as eight, from across County Durham and Darlington have performed in one of the country’s most prestigious venues.

Durham County Wind Band, Durham County Youth Choir and Durham County Big Band are just three of the groups that took part at The Sage, Gateshead on 25 April 2010.

The bands and orchestras performed in Hall One which is one of the country’s most prestigious concert venues and is rated as one of the top three halls in Europe.

Performances took place in front of a sell-out audience of over 1400. Adrian Biddulph, Manager of Music Education for Durham County Council, said:

“The diversity of the performances illustrates the wealth and breadth of musical talent we have within Durham County at all ages and the sheer dedication of staff, students and parents in nurturing this talent in order to achieve the results you will hear.”

What the papers said:

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/8121410.Young_talent_shines_at_showcase_venue/

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/yoursay/letters/8127758.What_a_noteable_occasion___/

The main concert featured the cream of the talented young musicians from County Durham and Darlington including:

Wider Opps Percussion Group

Durham County Wind Band

Durham North and South Orchestras

Durham County Big Band

Durham County Youth Choir

North and South Regional Wind Bands

Durham Saxophone Sextet

As well as the Main Hall One concert, there were many smaller groups appearing on the Sage concourse providing almost continuous music performances throughout the day. 

Clarinetix

East Durham Guitar Ensemble

Supersonic Strings

String Quartet 

Darlington Youth Choir

Easington District Wind Band

Chester-le Street District Orchestra

Sedgefield District Orcherstra

Derwentside District Training Band

Larry and the Penguins