A 17-year-old violinist from Bingley, West Yorkshire, has been selected as first violinist and leader of the 160-member National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain for 2027.
AOL.com reported that James Jet Uttley underwent two rounds of auditions to secure the role, which he described as something he had always dreamed of achieving. Uttley has played violin in the ensemble for four years, starting on the back desk of the violins before working his way up.
According to AOL.com, Uttley said his father, also a former NYO member, inspired him to join and predicted that music would change his life. Uttley began playing violin at age six and said the orchestra gives young musicians opportunities to perform at major venues including the Barbican in London and the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
As first violinist, Uttley said his responsibilities will include communicating with the conductor and relaying information to his section and other orchestra sections. He is now preparing conservatoire auditions for the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and Royal Northern College of Music, AOL.com reported.
The NYO, founded in 1948, comprises teenage musicians from across the UK.
For more information, visit aol.co.uk.