Magical trip for youth orchestra

EDUCATION: Monifieth junior musicians set to play concert in Disneyland Paris after impressing bosses at audition

When Monifieth musician Emily Lynch joined the Angus Youth Orchestra seven years ago she did not expect to be preparing to play a show in Disneyland Paris.

But the S6 oboe player is one of the young people who will soon enjoy “the opportunity of a lifetime” after completing a successful audition to play at the famous European theme park.

Emily, who is in her last year with the orchestra, said she cannot wait for “the fantastic finish” to her time with the group of talented young musicians from across the county.

She said: “We have been playing in the orchestra for seven years and it truly is a rewarding experience. We started off in the Angus school’s junior bands and have worked our way up to the Angus Youth Orchestra.

“Through these years, we have been offered so many enriching opportunities and going to Paris will certainly be a fantastic way to finish our last year as part of this team. We hope experiences like these will continue to encourage younger people to take up an instrument.”

The Angus Youth Orchestra musicians, aged between 11 and 18, will perform at the Paris theme park after a successful audition.

Paul Judge, their conductor, said: “We have enjoyed a successful couple of years with the orchestra and decided it was a good time to offer a foreign trip to the ensemble, and they jumped at the chance.

“As we were heading over to Paris, we approached Disney and asked if it would be possible to perform. They said ‘yes’ but only if approved following a successful audition.”

The students will now start fundraising towards the cost of the trip.

The orchestra will play Arbroath Music Festival in March and at a joint concert in June with the Tayside Symphony Orchestra in the Reid Hall, Forfar, before heading to the French capital.

Derek Wann, convener of Angus Council’s children and learning committee, said: “Music plays an important role in our society, and particularly in the lives of young people.

“I’m delighted the young people of Angus Youth Orchestra will have the opportunity to perform at Disneyland Paris.

“What an achievement; they should be incredibly proud.”

“We decided it was a good time to offer a foreign trip to the ensemble

Picture: AP. Left: The Angus Youth Orchestra is made up of talented musicians aged 11-18. Above: Disneyland Paris, where the group will get to play.