Joe and Faz — by royal appointment

ROYAL visit... Farhaan Shah (left) and Joseph Donmall were invited to Buckingham Palace to take part in a celebration of young talent in the performing arts

A PAIR of talented Oldham musicians rubbed shoulders with the stars at Buckingham Palace last night.

Cellist Joseph Donmall and violinist Farhaan Shah mingled with celebs including actress Dame Helen Mirren, comedian Michael McIntyre and pop star Ellie Goulding at a special event celebrating young talent in the British performing arts, hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Royal Northern College of Music student Joseph, from Greenfield, and Oldham Youth Orchestra leader Farhaan Shah, from Coppice, were delighted to accept the invitation and enjoyed a modern production of Romeo & Juliet, told through rap and dance.

The 30–minute show, directed by the English National Ballet, opened with Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, performed by the Docklands Sinfonia in front of 450 guests in the palace’s ballroom.

In 2008, Joseph was the gold award winner of the Future Champions competition run by the registered charity Future Talent and hosted by Oldham Council’s Music Service.

Farhaan was the bronze award winner in the 2010 Future Champions competition.

Gerard Booth, director of the Oldham Music Service, said: “Joe and Faz have been committed members of the music centre for many years.

“Both are tremendous role models for any youngsters with an interest in pursuing music initially as a hobby and then, perhaps, as a profession.

“They were perfect ambassadors for the borough at Buckingham Palace.”

Musician and TV personality Goldie, who teamed up with Prince Harry for a gig at Buckingham Palace last month, said the evening was a perfect showcase of the country’s talent.

He added: “Music and drama can be such an important part of young people’s lives, so to have the seal of approval from the Queen herself, and know she is behind them, is a real boost.”