A TEENAGE musician will take to stage at the North-East’s premier music venue with a rare £1m violin.

Roberto Ruisi, 18, will perform at Sage Gateshead at 7.30pm on Thursday (August 7) with a 1680s Stradivarius he was loaned by the famed musician John Ludlow - who was touched by similarities in their lives.

Like Ruisi, Ludlow hails from Edgbaston, Birmingham, both attended the city's King Edwards School and both became the first leader of the orchestra in their teens.

Ludlow became the first leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYOGB) back in 1948 before going on to lead others at the Royal Opera House and English National Opera, as well as the London Concert Orchestra.

Ruisi has already stolen a march on his kind benefactor's career, however – after

becoming the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain’s youngest ever leader aged just 14, back in

2010.

NYOGB will perform a repertoire of Stravinsky, Profokiev and Lutoslawski at Sage

Gateshead, with Ruisi will perform alongside pianist Louis Schwizgebel – the conductor is Edward Gardner.

The orchestra will also be appearing at Sunday’s Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

Ruisi said: “It’s been amazing to play on such a remarkable instrument.

“To me, the Strad is not just a violin, but is an extension of myself, allowing me to communicate all my musical ideas.”

Ludlow added: “Robbie already plays the fiddle far better than I ever

did, and has a really fine future ahead of him.

"What do you do when you find yourself outclassed? In this case applaud it with enthusiasm. It is a gesture of faith in Robbie's future."

Tickets cost £10 (or £5 for the under 25s). Box office 0191-443-4661, or from the venue’s

website at www.sagegateshead.com.