The Gibraltar Sea Scouts Pipe Band were guests of the legendary Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu this past Friday. 

A statement from the Gibraltar Sea Scouts Pipe Band follows below:

Halfway through the show, the pipes and drums marched into the arena, surprising and delighting the spectators, of which there were over 10,000. 

Joining the professional 60 piece Johann Strauss orchestra on stage, Gibraltar's pipe band  performed Highland Cathedral before marching off, later to return for an encore performance of  Amazing Grace. 

Pipe Major Tarik El-Yabani said: 

"I'm incredibly proud of, and thankful to, my pipers and drummers and the dedication they have  given to what is undoubtedly our highest profile engagement to date. It has not been easy giving up  more of their free time during the week and even the weekend to rehearse for this, but it was all  worth it for this exhilarating experience. Despite only having one rehearsal with Andre, it all went smoothly. Indeed, so impressed was he that an invitation was extended to join him for his other  stops in Barcelona and Madrid!” 

After the show, Pipe Major Tarik El-Yabani presented him with a Gibraltar Sea Scouts shield to  remember us by. 

The Gibraltar Sea Scouts Pipe Band would like to thank the Gibraltarians who took the time to come  to the show and support the band, as well as those who have taken the time to send us messages.