ECSOC (The Elizabeth College Summer Orchestral Course) will be performing the world premiere of the soundtrack to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society film this summer.

ECSOC, which is in its 44th year, is open to students aged eight to 20 and helps to develop their musical abilities and confidence in performing. The course takes place during the summer holidays and is open to Guernsey and overseas students.

Each year professional tutors come to the island to teach the course and this year Alexandra Hardwood will teach the students about writing music for films. Mrs Hardwood is an award-winning film composer whose films have screened worldwide. She also wrote the music for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and is rearranging it into orchestral pieces for ECSOC students to perform.

Pete Harrison, a bassoon player, will be principal conductor of the Symphony Orchestra. Mr Harrison studied at the Royal College of Music and has played with several orchestras including extensive work in London’s West End. He has always taught throughout his career and was recently appointed musical director for both the Inspiration Choir Southampton and The Vinyl Orchestra.

Intertrust sponsors ECSOC and has recently confirmed it has extended its support for another three years. ECSOC is also supported by the Guernsey Arts Commission (GAC).

Intertrust managing director in Guernsey Paul Schreibke said: “We’re pleased to be able to continue our sponsorship for another three years. It’s great to be able to support an educational course of this importance for young people and give them the opportunity to thrive. It’s also very exciting that the students will be able to perform the music from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society film.”

ECSOC director Charles Cottam said: “It’s amazing to have been granted the premiere of the music for the film which will feature the Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pete Harrison. It will be a memorable experience for the young musicians.

“We have seen so many students benefit from the course; they can make new friends and improve their musical abilities in just one week. We are extremely grateful for the support of Intertrust and the GAC.”

New to this year, ECSOC will be running a Music Makers course for students who enjoy playing instruments but are not at a high enough level to take part on the other courses. This has proved extremely popular and has already sold out.

This year the course will run from Monday 20 August and finish with a final concert on Saturday 25 August 2018. The final concert will feature local young musician Jack Tostevin-Hall playing Gabriel’s Oboe from the film The Mission.

In addition to the Saturday evening concert there are also concerts on the Friday lunchtime and evening and students will also be busking in town at lunchtimes for the week of the course.  The Jazz Orchestra course will perform in Market Square on the afternoon of Saturday 25th August.

For more information on ECSOC, including how to apply for the course, go to: http://ecsoc.com/