​Felsted musicians selected for prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra

Felsted School Musicians Charles C-P, aged 16 from Cranham, Essex and Shesh A-J, aged 14 from Goff’s Oak, Herts, are two of just eight young musicians to be selected for the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) Junior Artists 2020.

Charles and Shesh are both elite Music Scholars at Felsted School, where they also study at the Junior Guildhall in London each Saturday as part of Felsted’s unique partnership. Shesh is also following in the footsteps of older sister Sana, (age 16) a fellow Felsted Music Scholar, who is now part of the Junior Artists Alumni after being selected for the LPO in 2019.

Shesh comments; “The audition process in May included playing a selection of orchestral excerpts set by the LPO and performing a piece of their choice on their chosen instrument; Charles on Double Bass and Shesh on Percussion. This was then accompanied by references and personal statements. It was a tough process and we are delighted to have secured this opportunity.”

The Junior Artist programme will offer Charles and Shesh support, advice and professional insight and they will become part of the LPO family getting to know their musicians, staff and other artists. They have both been assigned LPO musicians as personal mentors from their respective sections and they will also have opportunities to perform with the orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall.

Alongside playing for the Felsted School Orchestra, both boys are members of the Junior Guildhall Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain as well as being members of the Chineke! Junior Orchestra, who have reached the National Semi-Finals of Britain’s Got Talent this year. 

Chris Townsend, Headmaster at Felsted School comments; “Both Charles and Shesh have so much talent and work extremely hard to keep extending their musical skill-set and to act as role models to our younger musicians. Felsted is delighted that they have been recognised by the LPO and we look forward to hearing them perform with them in the future.”