Young musicians from the Welshpool area joined others from across the county to perform a special concert.
The Pavilion in Llandrindod Wells hosted the first concert of the Powys Youth Orchestra - an exciting new initiative from Powys County Council which brought together 60 musicians.
Many of the young musicians involved play in the respective north and south Powys Youth Orchestras, but this was the first time they have joined together for a public performance.
Prior to the concert, the young people attended three-days of intensive rehearsals at a residential course in Mid Powys with specialist tutor support.
Louise Ingham, Cultural Services Manager with Powys County Council, said: "We are delighted with the success of this new initiative. Not only does it provide additional opportunities for young people, but it showcases some of the county's most talented musicians. We hope it also inspires youngsters to further develop their musicianship on an individual basis."
The orchestra was conducted by Tim Cronin and John Teague and the programme included Peter Warlock’s beautiful Capriol Suite and Welsh composer William Mathias’ Jubilee Dances, written originally for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
Jonathan Davies - a recent graduate of the Welsh College of Music and ex-Leader of North Powys Youth Orchestra - entertained the audience with a performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.
The evening concluded with a dramatic and powerful rendition of Beethoven’s Symphony No 1 in C major, rounding off a highly successful few days and marking a significant point in the development of orchestral playing for young people in Powys.
Plans are already underway for a similar event next year.
Powys Youth Orchestra was initiated by Powys County Council as part of the implementation of the Powys Children and Young People’s Music Strategy, also supported by the Arts Council of Wales.
PICTURE (Joe Purches/Ayton West): The Powys Youth Orchestra at their first concert.
