The newly formed Chester Youth Symphony Orchestra has met for its first ever rehearsal.

talented young musicians from in and around Chester met at The Queen’s School under the baton of the orchestra’s founder, musical director and conductor John Modelski. It is planned for the number of players to grow to around 50 by Christmas, and then to grow even further beyond that.

Speaking after the rehearsal, John said: “As an instrumental teacher to many young musicians, I noticed there was a lack of opportunity for them to play in a full orchestral setting in the local Chester area.

“It was from this realisation that I decided to do something about it and create this new orchestra – with the aim of putting Chester on the map musically and make it one of the best youth orchestras in the country.

“I will always ensure that the experience for players is fun, informal and friendly, but also to strive to achieve a high level of professionalism and a very positive experience for everyone taking part.

“It is always very important to me that each individual musician develops their musical skills to become the best they can possibly be and this will therefore be one of my primary objectives.”

Chairperson and co-founder Mags Kerns added: “We have had an amazing amount of support to help launch the project ranging from publicity from local and national media, including BBC Radio 3, as well as the support of the local education authority and generous financial backing from The Earl of Chester’s Fund.

“We have already auditioned and offered places to many talented young musicians and have been incredibly impressed with the very high standard of the players keen to join us.

“We do, however, still have some places available, particularly in the strings, lower woodwind and brass sections and would therefore still welcome further applications.

“We are looking for players of around grade 5 level, age 21 or under, from any geographical location – they don’t actually have to live in Chester. The audition process is very informal.”

Rehearsals are held on Friday evenings during term-time in The Queen’s School, Chester. For more information, visit www.cyso.org.uk .