Skipton teenager performs with National Children’s Orchestra (From Craven Herald)

Skipton teenager performs with National Children’s Orchestra

8:00am Friday 17th August 2012 in Leisure

Skipton teenager Ben Finlay will be showing off his musical skills this weekend.

The 13-year-old Ermysted’s Grammar School pupil is a member of the National Children’s Orchestra, which is to perform a concert at Leeds Town Hall tomorrow.

Later in the year, the orchestra will play at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s South Bank.

Ben started playing the cello aged seven when he was a pupil at Water Street School and successfully auditioned for the Under 13 National Children’s Orchestra last October. There were about 1,000 applicants for 120 places.

He also attends the Yorkshire Young Musicians programme at Leeds College of Music, is a member of Settle Orchestra and plays cello in the Ermysted’s light orchestra and bass guitar in the Ermysted’s Big Band.

“Ben is really keen on music,” said his mum Sally Johnson. “Apart from learning cello, piano and bass guitar, he is also teaching himself the ukelele and harmonica.

“He plans to study music, probably cello, although he has a very keen interest in jazz.”

Ben’s involvement with Yorkshire Young Musicians allowed him to play at the Howard Assembly Rooms in Leeds earlier this year, as well as the Purcell Room of the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London as part of a national showcase for young musicians.