More than 150 students played to a sold-out crowd when the Menuhin Foundation held its annual concert last weekend.

The event, held at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, featured the talents of students from 20 public and private schools.

Several home-schooled students featured.

More than 400 guests attended and this year, the concert featured standout performances from the Menuhin’s First Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, Youth Orchestra, the Trio Stringendo and the Vivace String Quartet.

The charity’s scholarship winner, Prince Domingo — a past participant in the primary programme — showcased his viola talent with rendition of Christmas Dance.

Verde Brown, chairman of the charity’s board of trustees, spoke of her support for the children.

She said: “With nearly 49 years since our inception in 1976, our primary school programme has touched thousands of lives, fostering a vibrant and diverse musical community.

“We’re proud to ensure that every child has access to the social, emotional and intellectual benefits of string instrument education.

“I also see many friendships forming at group lessons and orchestras — many of which would not have happened without this shared love for music.”

Tribute was paid to Alison Black, a dedicated Menuhin Foundation teacher who is stepping down after 13 years of service.

The charity said Ms Black “leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having taught hundreds of students and nurtured exceptional talent”.

It said three of her students achieved notable success in recent times, winning awards from the Bermuda Philharmonic Society.

Dylan Jeffrey was last year’s winner of the Young Composition Competition.

Bella Correia was the last year’s winner of the Young Artist Concerto Competition and Mr Domingo was this year’s winner of the event.

The charity said Ms Black’s contributions “left an indelible mark on the musical community, inspiring countless young musicians to pursue their passion for strings”.

Mrs Brown said of Ms Black: “A good teacher is like a candle — it consumes itself to light the way for others.

“Thank you for lighting the way for your students’ countless times.”

The charity said its vision is to bring the art of stringed instruments to all Bermudian children.

It delivers this mandate by providing free group lessons at the P4 level, where students learn violin, viola or cello.

The lessons provide young musicians with foundational skills and the inspiration needed to cultivate their passion for music, marking the beginning of their journey in the world of strings.

The charity said it focuses on mastery, giving children the opportunity to showcase their talent on stage.

The charity’s primary programme remains free and relies on the support of several entities.

They include the Government, private foundations, businesses, individual donors and the invaluable contributions of principals, educators, teachers, parent volunteers and its teachers and trustees.

The programme offers students a glimpse of what lies ahead and those wishing to further develop their talents are encouraged to continue with individual lessons in the fall term.

The charity also offers bursaries to students who wish to further their skills in string-instrument education.

Lessons are offered individually for violin, viola and cello starting as young as age 4 with no upper age limit for beginners.

• For more information and how to support the charity, visitMenuhin.bm or contact trustees@menuhin.bm