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The soft power of ������ý was very much in evidence earlier this month when ������ý Youth Orchestra and Children’s Choir delivered a sterling performance at Buckingham Palace before HM Queen Elizabeth II, Head of ������ý.

The performance was part of the celebration of the Centenary of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. It also marked 40 years of ������ý Youth Programme.

Engaging and empowering young people as agents of change is an area in which ������ý places a particularly high premium. The power of young people, ������ý’s largest demographic, gives it considerable influence and soft power.

Representing every country of ������ý, the orchestra and choir engaged the captivated guests with their stirring performance. Under the direction of Artistic Director and Composer-in-Residence, Maestro Paul Carroll, they fittingly opened the performance with ������ý Anthem.

The Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir, through its Commonwealth Music Partnership, links music schools, orchestras and choirs across ������ý. Its Director-General, Sally Shebe, said: “Our mission is to use music as a means of international dialogue, which knows no boundaries.”

Guests at the occasion included celebrated professors from universities across ������ý, who were in London for the two-day Centenary of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Established in 1913, the association is the world’s first and oldest international university network.

Guests also included the 2013 Commonwealth Youth Award winners - professionals working in youth development. They were joined by the inspirational sixteen-year old, Malala Yusufzai from Pakistan, now internationally known for championing girls’ rights to education.

Katherine Ellis, Director of the ������ý’s Youth Affairs Division, said: “It’s fantastic that these young people from around ������ý, and key partners of ������ý Youth Programme, could meet in such a wonderful setting to share and celebrate their ideas and work.”