Brothers relish youth orchestra opportunity

Richard and Peter Erskine are two of 100 young musicians from across Northern Ireland who will be taking part in the orchestra’s annual summer school.

The 10 day residential begins today and ends on August 21.

During that time the boys will take part in intensive rehearsals for two performances the first in Derry's Guildhall and the second in the Ulster Hall, Belfast.

Richard (18), who plays the cor anglais and the oboe in the orchestra was selected for the first time last year.

But 16-year-old Peter, who plays in the percussion section, will join his brother for the first time at the summer school.

"It will be tough," said Richard, "each day we rehearse for about eight hours.

"But we do get a chance to relax in the evening and have some fun."

Peter said: "It's a fantastic honour for us to have been selected, there are probably about two or three people who apply for each position."

Richard has been preparing for the performances and joining up with the rest of the orchestra. Peter, however, can only play in practice as the instruments he uses are too big, he said: "The percussion section is very big and I can be playing any number of instruments including the bongos, tambourine and the xylophone - the music sheets are just crazy looking.

"And because the instruments can't fit in the house I can only play at practice.

"So I can only go over the music before I get there to be ready."

Richard added: "It's intensive and Peter will have a lot of work to do, moreso than any other section, but it is well worth it.

"All of those will already have played in an orchestra and be used to the environment so it is relaxed and the conductors do what they can to relax you.

"The Ulster Youth Orchestra manages every year to get the best people involved and to work with Nicholas Braithwaite, who is the musical director, is a fantastic honour.

"He has played with the best orchestras across the UK and to play and learn with him is a privilege."

Peter added: "We have played before with the City of Belfast Orchestra, which is a regional recognition, and to be selected for Ulster really means a lot."

Tickets for both concerts can be bought online. For the Guildhall date visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk and for the Ulster Hall concert visit www.Belfastcity.gov.uk/ulsterhall.