Mary Reid

One of the delights of this job is the chance to indulge my love of music. So I was quick to accept an invitation to a concert in the splendid Cadogan Hall in Chelsea.

But this was a rather special event because it was the first central London concert given by a fledgling orchestra. The Thames Youth Orchestra started as a collaboration between the two Tiffin Schools, and now has members from ten different schools in the area. Its aim is to become the equivalent of a county youth orchestra for South West London.

Talented young musicians derive so much benefit, and develop their musicianship immeasurably, from working through the orchestral repertoire under strong professional leadership, so this is very welcome.

The musical director, Simon Ferris, challenged these young people to perform in a variety of styles from Beethoven and Mendelssohn to Sibelius (a particular favourite of mine), and they produced a good range of colour and tone. He also introduced me to Borodin's 2nd Symphony, which is as dramatic and tuneful as the popular Polovetsian Dances from Prince Igor.

I was impressed by the cheerful confidence of the young players - this kind of positive attitude to the task and obvious enjoyment in the music, easily compensates for the inevitable glitch. There were also some fine solos from a number of sections. 

I do hope they invite me again!