Speyside High pupil lands national orchestra place

A Speyside High student has been selected to perform with the Junior National Youth Orchestra of Scotland this summer.

Cellist Darcey Thomson, 13, recently returned from a five-day residential course with the orchestra in Perth to rehearse their performance repertoire. Her performance was judged by conductor Holly Mathieson to be good enough to be awarded a senior place in the cello section.

The orchestra will perform in Edinburgh this July.

In a break from a practice session, Darcey said the process has been exciting but daunting.

“I auditioned for the Junior National Youth Orchestra of Scotland in November last year with a lot of encouragement from my music tutor, John Mustard,” she said. The standards are really high so it is rather nerve-wracking and I had to put in many hours of practice.”

The musicians successful at the auditions then attend two residential courses in Perth with more than six hours of practice each day for three full days, culminating in a preview concert on the fifth day at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

“We had amazing instructors and an inspirational conductor, Holly Mathieson, who set such a high standard and helped us achieve our best possible performance,” said Darcey.

“For anyone who plays an instrument, I would totally recommend auditioning for NYOS as they are great fun and really develop your musical playing and confidence.”

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.