Pupils ready to turn Leeds into a ‘city of song’

After 12 months of hard work and expert coaching her vision is set to become a reality as tomorrow night around 500 pupils from Leeds take to the stage at the Town Hall.

The event will feature children from more than 20 schools from across Dame Fanny’s home city who will be performing in red, white and blue T-shirts for the Jubilee celebrations.

The music for the event ranges from traditional patriotic favourites such as the national anthem and Land of Hope and Glory to songs from across the Commonwealth.

Dame Fanny, who founded the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition, said: “The Queen is aware of the event and has sent us a message which will appear in the programme.

“But this is also about helping children who might not be as talented or as advantaged. My school motto from St Luke’s Gospel is ‘faithful in little things.’

“I think that whatever children do they should be encouraged to be the best that they can be.”

Dame Fanny has enlisted the help of Betsey Whiting, from Artforms Leeds Council’s music service who has held weekly rehearsals with children across the schools.

Today all 500 of the pupils involved will practise together for the first time at the Town Hall. The established Leeds School and Youth choirs will also take part in the concert and three of Dame Fanny’s piano students: Han and Serene Zhiou and Rachel Kempner will perform solos and duets.