An event of note: St Leonards singers perform for the Queen at Balmoral

School’s headmaster tells of pride in youngsters on ‘special occasion’

Students rubbed shoulders with royalty when they were given the opportunity to perform for the Queen.

Current musicians from St Leonards School in St Andrews joined with a select group of former students known as the St Leonards Seniors for a special service at Crathie Kirk at Balmoral.

The group performed the anthem for the day, Turn thy face from my sins by Thomas Attwood, and were involved in leading the hymns, with the Queen seated in her usual cushioned pew.

Her Majesty wore a deep emerald green to attend the service and was seated with Viscount Linley, 2nd Earl of Snowdon and former chairman of the auction house Christie’s UK, and members of the royal family.

The St Leonards chamber choir was formed of current students Lauren Hastie, Beth Purvis, David de Wolff and Peter Matthews, and former pupils Anna and Olivia Carslaw, Anthony White and Ines Hayward-Daventry.

The choral group was accompanied by Fiona Love, director of music at St Leonards, and conducted by Dr Glynn Jenkins, who held the post previously.

The soprano solo was performed by Olivia Carslaw.

Dr Michael Carslaw, headmaster at St Leonards, spoke of his pride in all of the singers, and delight at seeing the school represented on such a big stage.

He said: “This was a very special occasion for our pupils, both past and present, and one which I know they will remember fondly for years to come.

“To be invited to sing for Her Majesty the Queen at Balmoral is a great honour, and my thanks goes to Glynn Jenkins and Fiona Love for making this opportunity possible.”

Sunday morning worship ended with the national anthem, which was again led by the St Leonards singers.

“Such a big stage”: Pupils, former pupils and staff from St Andrews School at Crathie Kirk.