Portsmouth musician taking to Royal Albert Hall stage

Emmeline Foster will take to the stage alongside 120 of her colleagues at the 44th edition of the Mountbatten Festival of Music from April 7-9 in aid of The Royal Marines Charity and CLIC Sargent.

Emmeline, a former pupil of South Downs College, is now serving in her fifth year in the Royal Marines Band Service.

After a successful audition, she spent three years training at the Royal Marines School of Music and is now a member of the Plymouth Band.

The 23-year-old clarinet player performs many musical duties with the band, including concert band, marching band and symphony orchestra, as well as military roles within the wider Corps.

Highlights of her career include the Mountbatten Festival of Music, Beating Retreat on Horseguards Parade as well as travelling to Sweden for a military tattoo.

Emmeline said: ‘I am delighted to be performing in such an iconic venue as the Royal Albert Hall.

‘As a member of the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines there is no greater thrill to walk out on stage to a capacity audience and perform such an exciting and powerful programme of music.

‘The Mountbatten Festival of Music is usually attended by a member of the Royal family which gives the concert that extra- special sense of occasion.

‘I can’t wait to get stuck into the rehearsals in March.’

The Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines showcase their incredible musicianship and pageantry and feature a wide range of musical styles in the 44th annual Festival of Music.

The performance, with spectacular lighting effects, will include music from the big screen and superb solo items as well as the traditional marches which have proved such a hit over the years.

Tickets are priced from £12.50 and are available by calling the Royal Albert Hall box office on 020 7589 8212 or at royalalbert hall.com