Birmingham’s Lauren Zhang- crowned BBC Young Musician 2018- is returning to the stage of her triumphant win to play with Birmingham schoolchildren – in what is believed to be the UK’s largest youth proms ever.

More than 3,000 young musicians and singers, aged 8-18, will take to the stage for five nights, starting on Monday, 9 July at the iconic Symphony Hall, where they will be joined by pianist Lauren on the opening night.

The Youth Proms, organised by Services For Education’s Music Service, is an annual celebration event providing youngsters with the opportunity to showcase their talent to a live audience on a world-class stage.

Audiences will be treated to a variety of performances including a 1,500 strong choir, jazz, orchestras, choirs, steel and brass bands, guitar ensembles, percussion and world groups, whilst using more than 1,500 instruments.

Sixteen-year old Lauren is passionate about encouraging younger children to play and enjoy music. She will be performing Chopin’s “Black Key” Etude and the jazz-infused Toccatina by Kapustin.

Ciaran O’Donnell, head of Music Service at Services For Education, said: “It is fantastic to have Lauren joining us for our Youth Proms. These concerts have, for more than 30 years, demonstrated the immense talent of young people in our city. It is our privilege to showcase that over five-nights in the iconic Symphony Hall.

“As one of the largest providers of music education to Birmingham schoolchildren, we recognise the importance of introducing young people to the world of music at an early stage and how it can unite the diverse communities of the city.

“We’d like to encourage people to come along to the concerts and celebrate Birmingham’s talented young musicians.”