Young Australian violinist Courtenay Cleary, who is currently studying in London, had a right royal time on Monday when she played for a distinguished audience including Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and other VIP guests.

^{Courtenay Cleary performs for the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey. Photograph courtesy of ABRSM}

Cleary, who is currently studying on a full ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music, performed at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey. Organised by The Royal Commonwealth Society, the service is Britain’s largest annual multi-faith celebration, and features a programme of testimonies, readings and musical performances.

Born in Brisbane, 23-year old Cleary played the Largo from Bach’s Sonata No. 3 in C Major. Other performers included Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman and the Choir of Westminster Abbey.

“I feel incredibly honoured to have had the opportunity to play for the Royal Family and other distinguished guests at the Commonwealth Service. It was an awe-inspiring experience to play at such a prestigious venue as Westminster Abbey and to have my performance broadcast live on the BBC is a dream come...