Steve DownesChildren from a clutch of city schools are joining one of Europe's leading orchestras next week for a celebration of sound and music.The youngsters have been working with Norfolk County Council's music service on the Widening Opportunities programme, which enables children to spend a year learning the basics of a musical instrument.Steve Downes

Children from a clutch of city schools are joining one of Europe's leading orchestras next month for a celebration of sound and music.

The youngsters have been working with Norfolk County Council's music service on the Widening Opportunities programme, which enables children to spend a year learning the basics of a musical instrument.

To celebrate their achievements, the youngsters will join the Britten Sinfonia in concerts in Norwich and King's Lynn.

They will be directed by Tim Steiner, who has worked on an array of television and musical performances, including the BBC's I'd Do Anything.

The first performance will be held at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich on Wednesday 7 July, with a concert at the Corn Exchange in King's Lynn on the following day. Both will begin at 2pm.

The music has been created by Mr Steiner from the Ritual Fire Dance by Manuel de Falla and will include djembes (drums), violins, flutes, keyboards, clarinets, ukuleles, trumpets, French horns, double basses, cellos, violas, guitars and a special rhythm section.

Alison Thomas, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said: 'This will be an unforgettable experience for the young people involved and is such a fantastic opportunity to take direction and perform with some of our most celebrated musicians.

'The Widening Opportunities programme has allowed hundreds of young people to experience the joys of learning a musical instrument and many will have unlocked a love and talent that they will continue to develop.

'Our music service and our schools are doing fantastic work in creating opportunities for young people, who may not otherwise have been able to access musical instruments. This is helping children to realise their potential and develop their creativity.'

The schools taking part in the Norwich concert are:

All Saints Stibbard Primary

All Saints Winfarthing Primary

Carleton Rode Primary

Cawston Primary

Eaton Primary, Purtingay Close, Eaton

Falcon Junior, Falcon Road West, Sprowston

Firside Junior, Middletons Lane, Hellesdon

Heartsease Primary, Ridder Haggard Road, Heartsease

Horning Primary

Mile Cross Primary, Brasier Road, Mile Cross

Mundesley Junior

Preston Primary, Tasburgh

St Thomas More Junior, Jessopp Road

St William's Primary, Williams Loke, Thorpe St Andrew

Woodland View Junior, Ivy Road, Spixworth