Hagley Memorial Schools Prom We are here this evening to remember and pay tribute to all those whose lives ended so tragically last November. Charlene O'Dowd, like the others from Hagley School, was in the audience on the last night of the 1993 Schools Proms, no doubt enjoying the triumphant evening for all the young singers, musicians, actors and dancers performing, but especially the performance by the National Youth Music Theatre. Charlene, like many hundreds of other young people from all over the country, has a special association with the :,\Y\lT. :\ot so long ago she was a member of the cast of "The Ragged Child", a NYMT production, so she would have been particularly proud of the young people who performed excerpts of "Whistle DO\"in the Wind" at last year's Prom. As President of the NYMT I am delighted that the company has been asked to perform this evening, even more so as I was present also on that joyous evening in November last year that was to end so tragically for some. I hope that their memory will last for as long as young people sing and play music together - which will be always. HRH Prince Edward CVO The school community was shattered by the loss of our children and teacher. From the larger community we have received solace and kindnesses in abundance; prayers, letters, flowers, Masses have all helped to unite us to a much greater public and because the bond~ linking Ue; ha\-e been for ged in ~: mp,:th\ ,:r.d loye \\'e belicH-' that the\ \\'i: : . . u . . : ,: i~ a:1-':: develop. The schoolloob rorward h.) h,l\- in~ cl ; clr~e representation at the concert tl) ~hare in the jl)\' l)r the music which played an important part in the lives of the children and the teacher whom we wish to remember. PS Hill Headteacher, Hagley RC High School A Schools Prom is always an occasion for enjoyment and a celebration of music-making. Today, however, it is also a commemoration of thirteen lives tragically cut short. For many of
those present, I am sure that what is played and sung tonight will sfu memories and emotions. Such is the power of music. But it will also help to build a lasting memorial to those who died, and so help other children learn about and make music. May I offer my warmest wishes to all of you gathered at the Royal Albert Hall, to those who have joined together to make this Schools Prom possible, and to the talented young musicians and singers who are going to perform. John Patten Secretary of State for Education I am grateful to Music for Youth for providing me with this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy to the pupils and teachers of Hagley RC High School and to the families and friends of the twelve pupils and their dedicated teacher who so tragically died while returning from the final evening of the 1993 Schools Prom. Peter Brooke Secretary of State for National Heritage Every year the Royal Albert Hall ho~t~ a multitude of events reflecting the cultural heart of the nation. Some of the~e eH?nt~ retlect the pure joy of music and perfl)rmance. l)thers are of a more sombre na tu re. Tonight's concert C()rT\t.' . . J::--,'U: a ... a consequence of the deeph' di . . trt.' . . . . ;:--:,:: :L:~t.-'d:路 that stemmed from one <)r <)U ~ "l":~ . . :;'h": i,)\路tul occasions. It i ~ i ndt..'\t."\j ..: ':':~ : :\.':--:'.
H<'路.路.. l".l'~ l" ,
:,'~.;,::n: 'se celebrate. \\'e celebrate l.' ~.::-. : :--:~ :[;.1: :ne children and their teacher
. . :,"~ ~,':- - \<'u:h . learning. exuberance, love of .~' :-:,'r:nclnce their ramilv . and their friends. Thank Yl)U fl)r joining us in that celebration.
The National Youth Music Theatre and all associated with it hope that this evening will be a joyous occasion as well as one for reflection. Whilst remembering the past, it will also be a celebration for the future, We are very proud to be a part of it. Jeremy James Taylor Artistic Director, National Youth Music Theatre
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