A large number of musicians will be representing Wells Cathedral School in national-level ensembles and choirs this year, both in the UK and beyond.
Five pupils from Wells have obtained places in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO), the country’s flagship orchestra for amazingly talented young musicians. Among the five Wells pupils, particular congratulations must go to Defne A, who has been appointed Principal Harp, and will be a member of the orchestra for a second year. Defne’s ‘golden shoes’ are famous within the school, and audiences across the country will enjoy both hearing and seeing her!
Across the channel, violinist Hannah K has been given a place as the youngest member of the National Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands. Last year she played in front of the Dutch Royal Family in the Amare, the new concert hall in the Hague.
Closer to home, no fewer than seven pupils have been offered places in the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain (NCO), while a further four younger pupils from the Prep School, have all been invited to join ‘NCO Projects’, a fabulous initiative that provides an excellent training ground for the older age banded orchestras.
Wells singers are also finding their voice in some of the UK’s top choirs. Three pupils have been invited to join the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, while two of our sixth formers have been offered places within the prestigious Rodolfus Choir, which helps talented singers aged 16-23 bridge the gap between school and university.
The Wells Cathedral School Director of Music, Alex Laing, said, “We are so proud of all our musicians here at Wells. It is lovely to know that the School is helping to produce young musicians recognised as amongst the finest in the land.”