The Grampian Youth Orchestra has existed in various forms for the last 40 years.
The latest ensemble was born from the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in 2006 and has gone “through the roof” since then.
And now, one of the world’s most renowned instrumentalists has spoken of her backing for the myriad achievements of the musical organisation.
As a former member of the Grampian Schools Percussion Ensemble, Dame Evelyn Glennie is now a patron of the group and says her own experience of those early school performances were “incredible”.
She added: “The experience gave me confidence and, most of all, friendships which have helped me to pursue my goal as a professional musician.
“It is heartening to see that the orchestra has grown to 85 players and testament to the quality of teaching in the region.
“These young musicians have participated in an incredible legacy which will have a lasting impact.”
The musicians from across Grampian, including a few others from Fife and Glasgow, performed in Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom last night to a packed out audience.
Orchestra manager Scott Matheson, himself a music instructor, said he knows “only too well” the hard work and dedication needed by the youngsters taking part.
He said: “We only meet up once in the Spring for a rehearsal and then again four days before the concert. It can be very intense, but it’s really rewarding.
“The standard of the orchestra just continues to rise – so it’s really worth it.”
This year, the age range of those taking part varies from 13 to 20 year-olds, although musicians can be considered from the ages of 12 to 22.
Last night’s programme included Sibelius’s Finlandia: Dvorak’s Noonday Witch, Strauss’s Horn Concerto No 1 and Elgar’s Enigma Variations and was conducted by Ciaran McAuley.
Mr Matheson thought the programme suited the “high standard” of the orchestra and added: “We wanted a programme that was a more challenging repertoire.
“We also wanted one or two pieces that would draw the audience in, which is why we’ve picked Elgar’s Enigma Variations as it has that famous piece in the middle, Nimrod.
“And Sibelius’s Finlandia will give our brass players a chance to show off.”
Mr Matheson, who is a about to embark on a year-long course to become a school music teacher, believes classical music can bring profound joy to people of all ages.
He added: “I was asking some of the kids who their favourite musicians were. And some came back saying Beethoven – it blows me away how excited they get by classical music.”
Reflecting on the growing audience numbers for GYO, created as part of the AIYF, he said: “It reflects the high quality of teaching and teachers we have up here and it’s so important we maintain it and support it as much as possible.
“It’s really rewarding to see all these young people get stuck into a course like ours. And the talent here is unbelievable. The standard is through the roof.”