A PENWITH teenager has been given a place in the European Youth Orchestra.
Edward Francis-Smith from Nancledra, who has just turned 17, is one of the youngest musicians in the ensemble and will be joining its tour this summer.
The former Humphry Davy pupil, who started playing the double bass aged 8, said he was excited to be a part of such a distinguished group and hoped to remain for a long time.
"Playing in the EUYO isn't like being in any other youth orchestra in the world; this is because it's truly multinational in every way," he said.
"It really is a miracle that we can all come together with the same common aim, to perform fantastic concerts in the best halls Europe has to offer.
"It's hugely exciting to be part of this tour. We'll visit six countries as diverse as Macedonia and Holland. No doubt it's going to be a long trip."
Tim Boulton, who has ties with the International Musician's Seminar Prussia Cove and directs the Penzance Youth Orchestra, has been Edward's mentor since he was 10 and describes him as "one of these rare talents. It's very unusual for somebody of his age to be working at that level."
Most other EUYO players were at least 21, he said, and studying at university level.
"Something happened when he was about 12 or 13 and I remember turning around to him in rehearsal and saying, 'If you carry on playing like that I will have to introduce you to Tom Martin'" – one of the world's leading double bass players. He did just that, and Edward went on to study with Mr Martin in Oxford.
"He has the potential to play at a leading senior orchestra," said Mr Boulton. "He really is a wonderfully gifted young player. I think he'll get to the top."
