A former Brookmans Park school pupil saved the day at the Royal Albert Hall after a soloist had to withdraw due to illness.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Former Queenswood School pupil Eleanor Grant performs at the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Ed KalninsFormer Queenswood School pupil Eleanor Grant performs at the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Ed Kalnins (Image: Archant)

Soprano Eleanor Grant, who left Queenswood School with straight As at A-level, stepped up calmly to perform all the vocals during a live world premiere of The English Patient.

Eleanor was accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, in front of a sell-out audience of thousands.

This special screening of the 1996 movie was accompanied by a live in-sync performance of the Oscar-winning soundtrack.

The composer, Gabriel Yared, was extremely complimentary about Eleanor’s performance.

Eleanor, 18, is currently studying double bass at the Royal Academy of Music, and previously held music and drama scholarships at Queenswood.

Queenswood’s director of music, Jonathan Dobson said: “Eleanor is an extraordinary musician.

“She is without doubt the best I have taught in my career.

“To be able to take on such a huge role at such short notice shows incredible self-confidence and maturity.”