Trinity musicians take Paris

Forty-four Trinity musicians took their talents to Paris during the summer for an unforgettable six-day concert tour, performing everywhere from historic churches in the heart of the French capital to Disneyland Paris.

Students from two of Trinity’s senior ensembles, the Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Big Band 1, travelled to France with six members of staff following 16 months of planning and preparation! Across three concerts, students had the opportunity to perform to new audiences in some extraordinary settings, with several musicians stepping up to a more senior level for the first time.

A particular highlight was taking to the stage at the Videopolis Theatre in Disneyland Park as part of the Disney Performing Arts Programme. The groups had been working towards the opportunity since the audition process began in June 2025, and their programme of familiar Disney favourites soon had the audience clapping along.

The tour ended on a high at the beautiful Église Saint-Philippe-du-Roule, where the musicians received a standing ovation. Concert organisers were so impressed that they expressed their hope that Trinity musicians would return to perform again.

But some of the most memorable parts of the tour happened away from the stage. Bringing together students of different ages, the trip gave musicians the chance to make new friendships, learn from one another and grow in confidence as performers.

Lower Sixth student Emile said: “I really enjoyed it and learnt a lot about music, as well as being able to meet new people who I otherwise wouldn’t have spoken to. I’m really looking forward to carrying on in SWO in Sixth Form!”

Not every new experience was quite so musical. Emile also thanked staff for their “wise advice” about Disneyland’s Tower of Terror which, despite deciding to brave the ride anyway, he said: “I (and my stomach!) will never forget.”

Sylvia (Class of 2026) agreed: “My time on the Paris trip is one that I will never forget. I was able to talk to people that I wouldn’t have if it weren’t for the trip and gain once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as performing at Disneyland Paris. I hope that future musicians can have an experience similar to mine.”

Between concerts, there was plenty of time to experience Paris too, with visits to Notre-Dame Cathedral, Versailles, Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, alongside a cruise along the Seine and a day at Disneyland Paris.

The trip was particularly poignant for six Upper Sixth musicians, Olivia, Sylvia, Leo, Brayden, Isaac and Harry, for whom Paris marked their final Trinity music tour.

After six days of performances, sightseeing, new friendships and a few memorable theme park rides, the group returned home with plenty of stories to tell and three hugely successful concerts behind them.