CREDITON Youth Orchestra celebrated a decade of nurturing young musical talent in Crediton and the surrounding area with a 10th anniversary concert at Queen Elizabeth’s School on Sunday evening.

The event featured a number of well-known, popular musical arrangements showcasing a varied repertoire performed by the members aged from 8 to 18 years. The orchestra opened with ‘Smoke on the Water’, followed by Coldplay’s ‘Viva la Vida’ and covered the theme from ‘Mission Impossible’ and a medley from the Blues Brothers film soundtrack.

The Crediton Youth Saxophone Ensemble delighted the audience with a couple of numbers before the full youth orchestra were then joined by parents and returning past members for the second half of the concert.

Alison Golby, Musical Director, said: “Crediton and the surrounding area has some fantastic young musical talent. It’s been an absolute joy to see so many of them develop and grow their skills and confidence over the past 10 years as members of the orchestra.”

Original member saxophonist Issy Williams, 17, said: “I just really love playing music and being part of the orchestra, I particularly love the jazz group.

“Some of my favourite memories during the past 10 years are playing at the Great Hall and playing in the poly tunnels at Thornes Farm Shop during lockdown.”

During an emotional end to the evening trumpet player Adam Robbins, 18, paid tribute to the dedication shown by Alison in taking the 50-strong local group from strength to strength and echoed the feelings of many of the young performers by calling her an 'inspiration'.

The concert kicks off a year of celebrations to mark the inception of the orchestra in 2016.

Anyone who wants to find out more about Crediton Youth Orchestra or is interested in joining should contact Alison on [email protected]