MP meets up with NYO Josh

MP for Macclesfield, David Rutley, gave his support to the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO), when he met with Joshua Mock – a member of the prestigious group.

Joshua, 15, attends All Hallows Catholic College where he is currently doing his GCSEs. He has been playing the cello since he was seven years old. He started playing with local teacher Angela Aiken and then moved in 2011 to the Junior programme at the Royal Northern College Music in Manchester where he studies under Tim Smedley.  In 2015, he successfully auditioned for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and joined them for their first tour in December 2015.

The NYO is an orchestra of 165 young musicians aged between 13 and 19 years. The players are selected by auditions (over 700 people auditioned this year), which take place in the autumn each year at various locations in the country. The minimum standard needed to audition is Grade 8 Distinction. Membership of the orchestra is for one year.

The orchestra embarks on three tours a year, playing in the premier concert halls of the UK.   Macclesfield residents can see the orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on April 10^th.  Details of times and tickets can be found at  https://tickets.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/

Josh said during the meeting, “The NYO is great opportunity for young musicians like me to meet other dedicated musicians and to grow in the musical skills and knowledge that will benefit me in the future.  I’ve really enjoyed my time so far.”

David added, “It was great to meet up with Josh and find out about the NYO, their aims and the wealth of skills and experiences gained by members of the Orchestra. Learning to play an instrument at such a high standard like Joshua is a great way for young people to build their confidence, develop their personal skills and, of course, do something fun and rewarding. I was pleased to learn of the progress Joshua is making, and wish him every success for the future.”