THE mum of murdered teenager Alice Gross paid a heartfelt tribute to her ‘gifted’ daughter at a concert in her memory at the Ambassadors Theatre last night.

Ros Hodgkiss described Alice’s musical talents for composing, singing and playing a variety of instruments to a packed-out audience.

Speaking of Alice’s passion for music she said:  “Music was part of Alice's soul and with it she charmed and gave gaiety to life and to everything.

“Alice struggled with an eating disorder, an expression of the difficulties she experienced as a teenager. But she would have got through it.

“Music gave her the chance to express her demons and I know that in time she would have expelled them.

“The loss of Alice shocked us from our certainties, made us aware that there is no eternity, there is only now.

“Alice shone brightly, though briefly, like sunlight on water.”

MOBO award-winning singer-songwriter Laura Mvula headlined the concert.

West End star Julie Atherton, the X Factor’s Niki Evans and Lloyd Daniels, Britain’s Got Talent electro string quartet Escala, London Contemporary Voices choir and dance troupe ZooNation Youth Company also performed.

Ms Hodgkiss explained that though her fundraising efforts, particularly Alice’s Youth Music Memorial Fund which has already raised more than £31,000, she hopes to provide music-making opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people.

She also spoke candidly about how the family were coping a year on from Alice’s tragic death.

She said: “It is almost a year now since the hideous events of last summer and the truth is it doesn't get any easier to deal with our loss.”

The concert’s producer Oliver Boito, co-founder of Forecast Academy, a performing arts school in Camberwell attended by Alice, said: “It’s been an amazing and moving night.

“I’m so grateful to all the stars who turned out for us and performed brilliantly in Alice’s memory.”

Youth Music Ambassador Laura Mvula said: "It's been really special to hear Alice's mum talk tonight about her daughter's musical talent and how the family are coping.

“I hope tonight was a fitting tribute to Alice's own musical potential.

“I truly admire Alice's family for choosing to support Youth Music's work and in doing so helping to create a legacy of music opportunities for young people who would otherwise not have access to them.

“I feel privileged to have taken part.”

Donations can be made to Alice’s Youth Music Memorial Fund at http://alice.poppymadeleine.gross.muchloved.com