Perth Youth Orchestra’s 2025 Annual Concert, held on Saturday 12th April in the Perth Concert Hall, proved a triumphant culmination of a week-long music camp and months of rehearsal stretching back to October. The occasion also marked the first annual concert under the baton of newly appointed conductor, Lorna McGovern – a familiar and much-loved figure within the orchestra, having served as string tutor for over 30 years.
Mrs McGovern’s ambitious and imaginative programme made clear from the outset that this was to be a memorable evening of music-making. The concert opened with Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite, whose rousing marches and lyrical interludes were handled with impressive poise and rhythmic precision by the full ensemble. It was an inspired way to showcase the orchestra’s depth of tone and unity of purpose.
A natural segue followed with Grieg’s Elegiac Melodies, where the strings – under Mrs McGovern’s careful guidance – rose to the challenge with particularly sensitive playing, delivering a warmth and maturity beyond their years.
A hallmark of the PYO’s annual concerts is the spotlight it shines on young solo talent, and this year’s featured concerto performers – Kirk Robb and Zoë Neave – was one of the finest. Following a rigorous audition process in March, both musicians earned their place on the stage with great distinction.
Kirk Robb, Perth Academy, stepped from the flute section to deliver a spellbinding rendition of Chaminade’s Flute Concertino. His performance was mellifluous and fluid, topped with a cadenza that sparkled with technical assurance. The orchestra, learning the piece in the short time since his selection, provided sensitive and vibrant support, clearly enjoying the music as much as the soloist himself.
The first half concluded with two movements from Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite – the haunting Berceuse and the triumphant Finale. Both were handled with flair and musical maturity, bringing a dramatic close to the opening half of the evening.
After a reset of the stage – a task in itself – it was time for Kinross High School’s Zoë Neave to take centre stage. With a veritable armoury of sticks and mallets, she commanded the stage in Gary Ziek’s Concerto for Solo Percussion and Orchestra. Her performance was a tour de force – both electric and precise – demonstrating a wide-ranging mastery of the percussionist’s art. It was, without exaggeration, a masterclass.
Both soloists were presented with the prestigious D. Eoin Bennet Award – named in tribute to the orchestra’s longest-serving conductor (1967–2000) – a fitting recognition of their extraordinary contributions.
Just as one might have thought the orchestra had reached its peak, the programme moved into a final trio of popular works. Hans Zimmer’s The Steel Man was played with thrilling intensity – a performance worthy of any professional ensemble. It was difficult to believe this was still a youth orchestra, albeit one drawn from the most talented young musicians across Perth and Kinross’s ten secondary schools and beyond.
The concert rounded off with crowd-pleasing favourites: Pirates of the Caribbean had toes tapping across the auditorium, while Highlights from Wicked brought a vibrant and joyous close to the evening.
Bravo, PYO! Under Mrs McGovern’s skilled and passionate leadership, and the incredible work of Perth and Kinross’ Instrumental Music Service, the orchestra, led by Douglas Sime, continues to inspire and impress. We eagerly anticipate their next appearances: at the Perth Festival of the Arts Service, St John’s Kirk, 11am on Sunday 25th May, followed by their Festival Concert at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, 21st August, during the Fringe, and finally, their end-of-season concert back in Perth. The future of classical music in Perth is clearly in excellent hands.
