The borough’s musical talent hit the high note when more than 340 young performers came together to create an extravaganza at the Hackney Empire.

Singers and musicians, aged eight to 18, played to the packed-out Mare Street venue for the annual gala concert organised by the Music Service, which offers instrument and singing tuition to youngsters and is run by the borough’s Learning Trust.

Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls MP was in the audience and later posted on Twitter, the social networking site, to say: “Lots of hard work and talent gone into the performances - and great teaching too.”

The programme, on Thursday, November 10, featured an eclectic mix of classical music, samba, jazz, and African drumming. The evening culminated with a Hackney Borough Youth Orchestra and Choir performance of O Fortuna – better known as the title song for hit ITV show The X Factor.

Acting head of the Music Service, James Thomas, said: “The borough is brimming with musical talent and this concert gave a real flavour of the diverse music making happening in Hackney. I hope it has inspired even more pupils to tap into our music service, which is one of the best in the country.”