Last year, ELLSO representatives Paul, Zenani and Susanna attended a Community Music Makers Reception and Concert, hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle. All three attendees said how much they enjoyed the event, and what a privilege it was to represent ELLSO.
It all started with a seated reception and concert, introduced by Radio 3 presenter Katie Derham. She talked about how music changes lives and how the King encourages different parts of the community to take part in music, from choirs set up by the LGBT community to refugees settling in this country looking for a common bond.
ELLSO plays a small part in all of this - by encouraging music making with other people we can bring a sense of purpose to people's lives.
We were then taken into St George's Hall for a drinks reception. The King was doing his best to meet eveyone, but there were several hundred people there, all with interesting stories to tell. You did feel that he would have liked to meet every guest if time had been on his side.
A musical ensemble started up next to us - all their instruments had been made out of vegetables and the King was encouraged to participate. He didn't hold back and was quick to find his way around the carrot he was given!
A great day, and an amazing experience!