Lower School student selected from thousands to perform with world renowned pianist

Year 10 Royal Ballet School student, Alexander Yap, was selected as one of 100 young musicians to play with Chinese pianist Lang Lang at The Royal Festival Hall.

Thousands of young musicians applied to take part by submitting a video via the Lang Lang Inspires website and the finalists were chosen by Lang Lang himself. Chinese-born Lang Lang was recently described as ‘the hottest artist on the classical music planet’ by the New York Times. The idea of the concert reflects Lang Lang’s personal vision and mission to reach out to the next generation and encourage musical excellence.

The extraordinary piano extravaganza took place on Sunday, 22 May and featured special arrangements of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms for 100 students on 50 pianos, as part of the Royal Festival Hall’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain.

The study and performing of music is a valued feature of the education of students at White Lodge under the leadership of Head of Music, Melanie Brice. Music is studied by all students in Years 7, 8 and 9 and is a popular GCSE in Years 10 and 11. These lessons run alongside a remarkable range of opportunities for instrumental and vocal performances and lessons.

All students sing with the choir, many develop their individual skills up to Grade 8, and ensemble playing from duets to this year’s rock group flourishes. The annual Music Competition, last held on Saturday 21 May, showcased the wealth of talent amongst the students, and the School’s enthusiasm for its music-making.


Pictured: Royal Ballet School students perform at the annual White Lodge Music Competition

Photo: Marius Arnold-Clarke