Roaring Ovation as Tees Valley Youth Orchestra Triumphs with Shostakovich’s “Leningrad” Symphony at The Glasshouse
16th July 2025
Tees Valley Music Service share the success of their Youth Orchestra’s recent performance of Shostakovich’s “Leningrad” Symphony as part of the 25 Years of Tees Valley Music Service celebrations.
Tees Valley Youth Orchestra (TVYO) brought the house down at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music this weekend with a breathtaking performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 “Leningrad”. Greeted by a rapturous standing ovation, the concert marked a phenomenal highlight in what has been a summer of musical success — and a spectacular way to celebrate 25 years of Tees Valley Music Service (formerly Cleveland Music Service).
“I’m incredibly proud of these remarkable young musicians,” said the orchestra’s Musical Director, Nick Nowicki. “Their dedication and musicianship in putting together and performing such a tremendously difficult work, in such a short term, has been first class.”
Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony is a towering work in the orchestral canon — rarely attempted due to its scale, complexity, and emotional weight. In fact, it has only ever been performed at The Glasshouse once before — also by TVYO in 2015 — a remarkable feat that once again confirms the exceptional standard of youth music in the region.
“Our young musicians delivered something truly extraordinary,” added Susan Robertson, Manager of Tees Valley Music Service. “This performance wasn’t just musically brilliant — it symbolised the incredible journey these students have taken with us, from their very first instrumental or vocal lessons, right through to performing one of the most demanding symphonic works ever written, on one of the country’s most prestigious stages. They handled themselves with such maturity and professionalism.”
The concert crowned a busy and inspiring summer for Tees Valley Music Service (TVMS), whose wider programme of ensembles, lessons, workshops, and events has engaged hundreds of young people across the Tees Valley. From school-based instrumental and vocal tuition to community ensembles and large-scale performances, TVMS continues to provide high-quality, inclusive musical opportunities for children and young people of all abilities.
Special guests at Sunday’s concert included Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon, a long-standing supporter of TVMS, as well as the Deputy Mayor of Stockton, the Leader of Hartlepool Council, a representative from Arts Council England, and other distinguished supporters of music education in the region.
“They were simply superb,” said Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon. “The entire performance — of a challenging piece — was first class and beautifully delivered, not to mention their wonderful encore! The standing ovation was so well deserved. It was an amazing performance. A memorable evening for all of us. Well done to all involved.”
Marking its 25th anniversary, Tees Valley Music Service celebrates not only a legacy of exceptional musical achievement, but also a renewed commitment to the life-changing power of music education. Youth orchestras like TVYO are vital in helping young people develop confidence, creativity, discipline, teamwork, and self-expression — skills that serve them far beyond the concert hall.
