Stepping onto the Professional Stage: Olivia and Anastazja Perform with the Les Misérables Orchestra
Published by St Columba's School, Kilmacolm on Monday 13th of April 2026
We are delighted to share some exceptional musical news involving two of our talented pupils, Olivia and Anastazja M (SV), who recently achieved a remarkable milestone in their musical journeys.
After successfully auditioning, Olivia and Anastazja were invited to be part of the Symphony Orchestra for the Les Misérables Collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh Productions, held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland during Junior Conservatoire Bridge Week (Tuesday 7th April – Saturday 11th April 2026). This project brought together young musicians from across Scotland to work at a truly professional level within the world of musical theatre.
A Professional Experience at a National Level
Olivia (cello) and Anastazja (violin) have both been involved with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Junior Conservatoire for the past eight years and are currently members of its Senior Symphony Orchestra. This latest collaboration provided another invaluable opportunity to build on their ongoing musical development while representing St Columba’s on a national stage.
Throughout the week, the students worked alongside professional orchestral musicians and Musical Directors from the London Les Misérables orchestra, as well as those involved in the UK and world arena tours. Immersed in the realities of a professional rehearsal environment, they gained first-hand insight into the standards, discipline and teamwork required in large-scale musical theatre productions.
Developing Musicianship Beyond the Classroom
At the heart of the project was the creative process. Participants explored the rich and complex score of Les Misérables while developing their musical understanding, confidence and collaborative skills. Working closely with peers and professionals from a range of musical and production disciplines, Olivia and Anastazja were challenged to refine both their technical performance and their ability to respond musically as part of a large ensemble.
The week culminated in a shared performance in Stevenson Hall, a fitting finale that showcased not only the musical achievements of the young performers but also their growth in professionalism and artistic maturity.
A Proud Moment for the School Community
Experiences like this offer a rare and inspiring glimpse into the professional world of musical theatre production. They also highlight the dedication, resilience and long-term commitment required to succeed at this level — qualities that Olivia and Anastazja have demonstrated consistently through their sustained involvement with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
We are incredibly proud of both students for their achievement and the way they represented the school throughout the project. Their success is a testament to their hard work, passion for music, and continued commitment to excellence.
We look forward to following their musical journeys and celebrating many more successes in the future.
