Annual Concert – 10th April

This year Perth and Kinross Instrumental Music Service celebrates its 50th Anniversary. That makes it just four years younger than Perth Youth Orchestra! We recall especially the generations of tutors who have inspired, and who continue to inspire, our young musicians. They have all given so generously of their time and expertise to support and sustain our work.

In recent weeks and months we were saddened to learn of the death of Mr D. Eoin Bennet, the orchestra’s conductor from 1969-2001, and our first Patron-in-Chief Peter Maxwell Davies. We know that both men would be excited to know that their great contributions to the orchestra’s development were key to establishing it as the envy of local authorities across the country.

After this evening’s Annual Concert and a series of engagements throughout the summer term, the orchestra is heading to the Czech Republic in July where plans are set for performances in Prague and the surrounding area. Performing on the international stage is usually what musicians dream about at the peak of their career. Our young artists are being given fantastic opportunities at the earliest possible stage.

In recent years the orchestra has toured to Estonia, Poland, Germany and Italy earning critical acclaim. In a recent breathtaking review, The Herald’s Michael Tumelty wrote, “their achievement was astonishing, cutting edge, the real thing….”.

On their return to Scotland, the musicians will conclude their 2015-16 season with performances in Edinburgh and Perth. Once again they will be taking part in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a concert in the city’s historic Greyfriars’ Kirk.

Some dazzling performances are in store for our audiences this year. Under the baton of Mr Allan Young, and with orchestra leader Jake Paterson, Jenny Whitaker will be performing the Andante from Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in Eb, and Joe Pickering is playing Weber’s Concertino in Eb for Clarinet.

We are extremely grateful to the following bodies for funding Perth Youth Orchestra; Perth and Kinross Council, the Gannochy Trust, Souter Charitable Trust, Guildry Association of Perth, Forteviot Trust, the Cross Trust, Perth & Kinross Grants Direct, the Duncan & Melville Gray Trust and all the individual Friends of Perth Youth Orchestra, parents and friends of the orchestra, both past and present.

Finally, thank you for your attendance this evening. No amount of money can replace your presence at our performances and your great applause in appreciation of the orchestra’s achievements.