A music festival returns to Buckinghamshire with young musical talent supporting Ukraine.

Amersham Festival of Music boasts a selection of music from local talent, including a cappella, jazz and other musical entertainment to celebrate the spring season from April 16 to 30.

The 39th edition of the festival also features Ukraine thanks to young musicians using the power of music to help.

After a successful fundraiser in Wendover last year, Buckinghamshire secondary school pupils Emma Harrington, Thomas Harrington, Lucy Howitt, Iris Kayakiran and Jude Kayakiran are performing at the festival to support UNICEF's efforts in Ukraine. 

Musician Jude, an award-winning pianist, said: "Young people our age have been going through hell in Ukraine, trying to survive the violence and come to terms with huge losses - their families, their homes, their country.

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"You only have to look at the reports on horrific events such as the complete destruction of Bucha and the mass kidnapping of children and sending them to Russia to realise just how lucky we are that the only thing we need to worry about are our exam grades."

Vocalist Emma from the Royal Academy of Music has won many competitions across Buckinghamshire and she is a finalist in this year’s Bucks Young Musician of the Year competition.

She said: “It's a real privilege to be able to use our musical talents to help in any way we can."

Jude plays the first violin in various orchestras, including Chiltern Music Academy Symphony Orchestra, and he is also a Bucks Young Musician finalist.

Harpist Lucy won 2021 Bucks Young Musician of the Year as well as being a part of National Children’s Orchestra.

Thomas is a talented pianist, clarinettist and composer with both Bucks County Youth Orchestra and Bucks Youth Wind Ensemble.

Singer and musician Irish plays trumpet and violin in several jazz bands and orchestras and sings in Bucks County Youth Choir.

The festival’s artistic director Iain Ledingham said: “We are delighted that these very talented young musicians will be playing in the Amersham Festival of Music and for such a worthwhile cause as well. Their wide-ranging programme contains some wonderful pieces of music and there will be much to enjoy.”

The special Ukraine concert is held on Sunday April 23 at 2.30pm at St Mary’s Church in Old Amersham.

Concert tickets cost £10 while students go for free.

All the profits will go to support UNICEF’s work in Ukraine.

For tickets and more information about the festival go to https://www.amershamfestival.org/