Four pupils from St Mary’s Music School have been awarded places in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain 2020. Layla Ballard (16), cello, Momo Ueda (16), violin, Phoebe Barber (17), oboe and Cliodhna Scott (15), flute will all be taking part. All the pupils are from Edinburgh and the surrounding areas and have studied at St Mary’s Music School for between four and six years.
For Momo and Layla this will be their second and third time with NYOGB respectively whilst Cliodhna and Phoebe will be joining for the first time. Momo, who was with the NYO on their European tour this year said “The tour to Berlin was amazing. The atmosphere of the Konzerthall there was totally different to anywhere I'd performed before, the audience was so friendly and there was a real appreciation for the music we were performing which just made us play more passionately!
NYOGB is ahead in their work with teenagers of all standards all over England and participating in Inspire projects has improved my leadership skills and confidence so much and I love meeting all the different people.”
Cliodhna commented “I’m still only 15 so it’s a real honour to be selected. I’ve heard so many good things about NYOGB from others here at school so I’m looking forward to experiencing that for myself.”
Lis Dooner, who teaches Cliodhna flute said “This is a great achievement for all involved and places them amongst the top few young players in their field in the UK. This is a testament not only to their talent and commitment but also to the learning environment at St Mary's Music School which nurtures their skills and talents and offers them the opportunity to shine and enjoy these high profile projects. “