St. Mary’s College re young Southport musician at the Royal Albert Hall

St. Mary’s College re young Southport musician at the Royal Albert Hall

A talented young musician and composer who left St. Mary’s College in Crosby in the summer conducted his own piece at London’s famous Royal Albert Hall this week.

18-year-old Joshua Quinlan from Southport was taking part in the Music for Youth Proms concerts which showcase ‘high quality performances from some of the UK’s most creative, innovative and energetic young musicians’.

Joshua – who is currently studying for a degree in music at the University of York – was conducting members of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company who were performing his composition, Songs of Stone.

This three-movement choral piece takes as its inspiration a journey between Liverpool’s two great cathedrals along a street called ‘Hope’.

This was the third performance of this composition in a prestigious venue, as Joshua had previously conducted the piece at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Centre in July, following its premiere at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall in February.

And last year another of Joshua’s pieces – Fisherman at Sea – was also performed at the Philharmonic Hall as part of the Rushworth Young Composers initiative.

Commenting on the Royal Albert Hall event Joshua – also a talented clarinettist – said: “Obviously to be part of this concert was a huge honour and a fantastic experience, although rather a nerve-wracking one.

“Very few people ever get to see their music performed at such a prestigious venue, so it’s an evening I will never forget.

“It was also a great opportunity to meet up with and listen to other enthusiastic young musicians from across the country, from full-scale orchestras to jazz bands and rock groups.”

St. Mary’s Principal, Mike Kennedy, said: “Music is a hugely important part of life at the college, but Joshua’s musical achievements as a student here were exceptional even by our general high standards.

“I am absolutely delighted to see that his well-deserved success as a composer, a clarinettist and a conductor is continuing. We will all be watching his future career with keen interest,” added Mr Kennedy.