Bellaghy pupils on song with star Katie

The Pushkin Trust celebrated its 25th anniversary with a one-off concert ‘The Spirit of Pushkin in Ireland’ featuring the musical talent of international singer and songwriter Katie Melua.

Belfast-educated Katie took to the stage to perform a number of songs from her well known albums including ‘Call of the Search’, ‘Piece by Piece’ and 2012 release ‘Secret Symphony’.

The BRIT Award-winner was joined on stage for her final song, a specially commissioned piece ‘The Story’s Magic’, by 85 primary school pupils from both sides of the border, including Bellaghy Primary.

Georgian-born Katie said she was so excited to return to Belfast, her second home.

“This city inspired me to become the person I am today, and I know that the Pushkin singers will forever be inspired by their experience of taking part in this anniversary concert.

“Through Pushkin, children are able to explore their imaginations and stories, helping to unlock their creativity and inspiration. Creativity in children is so important, particularly for our future artists, and I am delighted to be able to support a cause that continues to strengthen the bonds between educations and the arts,” she added.

The school children who sang with Katie performed a variety of dance, song and verse as they retold the Pushkin story, based on Alexander Pushkin, one of Russia’s great literary figures who is regarded as the ‘Russian Shakespeare’.