Prelude to great things for Simone

SIMONE was one of more than 760 teenagers who applied for the 163 places available in the orchestra

A TEENAGER from Chadderton has been awarded a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Percussionist Simone Herbert-Moores, 15, will join 163 other teenagers from across the country to perform throughout 2017.

NYO musicians, who are all Grade VIII equivalent and above, will deliver eight major concerts and play live on BBC Radio 3, among other performances.

Simone, who has been playing percussion for eight years, said: "I'm massively excited to be part of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

"It is widely seen as the world's greatest orchestra of teenagers.

"Not only will it be a great opportunity to gain world-class orchestral experience and perform in amazing venues up and down the country, but also, as part of the NYO's Inspire project, I'll be spending time working in schools, helping to motivate and encourage other young musicians to advance their playing to the next level."

Principal percussionist in The Oldham Band (Lees) and pianist Simone will also be heard on Classic FM and be involved in the release of a new recording of The Planets.

Home-tutored Simone, who studies at the Royal Northern College of Music on Saturdays, was shortlisted from more than 760 applicants across the UK.

Mum Natalie Moores said: "We are so proud of Simone. She's worked really hard to gain her place and we can't wait to see her and the rest of the orchestra in action. We were lucky enough to watch the NYO performing earlier this year and they were out of this world."

Simone will take part in receptions, receive media coaching, deliver presentations and devise digital campaigns.

There will be a week-long winter residency at the University of Nottingham in late December, before giving concerts at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall, Birmingham's Symphony Hall and London's Royal Festival Hall in January.

She will also be given responsibility for organising events, and performing, at secondary schools.

An NYO spokesman said: "Gaining a place is a huge achievement."