A talented Westholme School student had the honour of performing for His Majesty King Charles III during his recent visit to Lancashire.
Neve Cowan, a pupil at Westholme School, was part of a string quartet selected to perform at Samlesbury Hall as the King met with Lancashire dignitaries, organisations and charities. The quartet played as His Majesty entered the historic hall, performing God Save the King, before continuing with a programme of classical music during the visit.
Neve, 14, from Preston, played the cello - an instrument she began playing in Year 2 at Westholme Prep school. She performed alongside three fellow members of the Lancashire Youth Symphony Orchestra, including Lucy Lai, Laura Kesiak, and Lydia Harris.
The performance formed part of the King’s official visit to the region, during which he learned more about the work of local organisations and charities. During his trip to Lancashire, His Majesty also visited Clitheroe’s Auction Mart.
The King, a keen musician and supporter of the arts, took time during the reception to talk to the young musicians and congratulate them on their outstanding performance.
Neve said: “It was a real honour to play for the King and as part of such a wonderful quartet. He was so friendly and warm to all of the guests - it was an experience and day that I will never forget.”
The quartet are all first desk players in Lancashire Youth Symphony Orchestra and were asked to perform by Lancashire County Council, following a successful concert at County Hall last year.
Neve, a music scholar at Westholme, also secured a place at Junior Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in September. In addition, she is a Yamaha Ambassador inspiring others to experiment with electric instruments and more modern sound and performance.
Paul Taylor, Principal at Westholme School, said: “This was a tremendous honour for Neve. The high calibre of her performance reflects the strength of musical talent we develop at Westholme, and how we nurture confidence in our young people.”
Tim Rogers, Head of Lancashire Music Service, added: “This was an amazing opportunity and honour for young musicians from Lancashire to play for the King of England. I am sure the musicians will remember this performance for the rest of their lives."