YOUNG musicians have created a 30 minute online concert to inspire primary school children to start playing across North Yorkshire.

The talented youngsters have overcome the difficulties and disappointments of lockdown to create the YouTube film. The Covid-19 pandemic meant the cancellation of their VE Day celebration concert at Harrogate Convention Centre and a residential course with a week of rehearsals culminating in two concerts so they made the film as a celebration of the county's talent.

Orchestra leader Susannah Morgan said: "I started playing the violin when I was four years old, because my older sister played and I wanted to be like her.

"One of my favourite things about being in the orchestra is that you can lose yourself in the music. When there is a really intense bit within the piece you can feel that every single person within the orchestra feels exactly the same way as you do and you are all breathing and moving in time with each other. You can feel that the audience is clinging to every single note that you play, and it’s really exciting.

"You can make really good friends and I’ve met some of my best friends through orchestras."

Susannah said making the video while playing alone was weird without having everyone else around because they were used to making music together with conductor Simon Wright.

She added: "But the finished video is fantastic. It was great seeing some friendly faces and hearing about their favourite parts of being in an orchestra. Hearing everyone together again was lovely because when we recorded our individual parts we were just playing along to the percussion.

"I hope that the video will inspire younger children to pick up an instrument and start playing. Also that they will understand that music is fun and really is for everyone; you don't have to have a musical background or tonnes of money to start playing."

The concert is part of the Guide to the Symphony Orchestra project with the Youth Orchestra working alongside local music charity NYMAZ and music education specialists Ucan Play.

"I think that the Music Service has adapted to these difficult times extremely well. From creating these ensemble videos to having Skype instrumental lessons," added Susannah.

Ian Bangay, Head of the county's Instrumental Music Service said they are continuing to do 1,150 online lessons a week. "It doesn’t replace the real thrill of working together in an orchestral setting but it captured the essence of what ensemble playing is all about as well as highlighting some of our most inspirational children and young people. Hopefully this time next year we will all meet again and create memorable music," he added.

Children inspired by the scheme to try an instrument can contact the Music Service at www.northyorks.gov.uk/school-music-service, the video can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJbwEVNaqtU