An Independence Day Celebration Concert listings

Come and hear these talented young musicians in a meeting of cultures from both side of the Atlantic. Cathedral City High School Symphonic Band, from California USA, will be joined by Camden Sinfonia, from London, for a performance of exceptional music at St John's, Smith Square on Saturday 04 July at 7:30pm. All ticket sales from the concert will go to support the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney, specialising in treating individuals who have suffered damage to their brain or nervous system.

Cathedral City High School Symphonic Band is directed by Gregory X. Whitmore and Camden Sinfonia by Richard Martyn. This evening's programme will include music such as 'Flourish for Wind Band' by Vaughan Williams, Overture to the 'Marriage of Figaro' by Mozart, the opening scene to 'Swan Lake' by Tchaikovsky and 'Stars and Stripes Forever' by Sousa. It will be a concert to be remembered as all the young musicians celebrate this opportunity to perform together. This performance is part of a UK tour for CCHSSB, including performances at the Atrium in Cardiff, Easingwold School and Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Symphonic Band is considered to be the top instrumental ensemble at Cathedral City High School. Participation is by audition only, the primary goal being to introduce students to the top wind band literature at the highest appropriate level. The Band gives 5 concerts per season and has toured the United States. Gregory Whitmore is a recognised member of four editions of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. Mr Whitmore has been selected as the Cathedral City High School Educator of the Year twice and as a Top Ten Educator of the Year four times. Mr Whitmore has also been included in the National Honor Roll's Outstanding American Teachers.

The Camden Sinfonia is just one of many activities provided at the Camden Saturday Music Centre, which operates weekly during school terms. Membership of the Centre is open to young people who live or attend school in Camden. The Sinfonia performs regularly at borough events, most recently in St Anne's Church, Highgate. Richard Martyn attended Pontypridd Grammar School and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying horn with Anthony Halstead and David Gray, and conducting with Rudolph Schwarz. A freelance horn player, he has played in all the major British orchestras, the Ulster Orchestra and the English Opera Group under Benjamin Britten. He now conducts and teaches young people full-time in Camden and Tower Hamlets.