Italian violin is presented to new Ulster Youth Orchestra Leader

Exceptional young violinist, Jamie Howe, aged 18, from Lisburn, has been announced as the new Leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra, and has been presented by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland with the Milton Violin, an exquisite 240 year-old instrument made by renowned Neapolitan violin maker, Joseph Gagliano, to be played throughout his tenure as leader.

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The precious violin, which is 239 years old, was generously donated to the Arts Council by Professor Alan Milton in 1980 and in the past has been used by the Leader and principal players of the Ulster Orchestra.

Jamie, who faced rigorous auditions to become the Leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra, is also a member of the viola section of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and is a current student at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, having been offered a place in its sixth form to take his ‘A’ levels alongside his musical studies in violin, viola and piano. From September, Jamie plans to continue his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: “Congratulations to Jamie in becoming Leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra. Thanks to the generosity of Professor Milton, we are able to provide this exceptional instrument to generations of our best young violinists. We are delighted by the appointment of Jamie Howe as Leader and have no doubt he will put this very special opportunity to great use.”

Paula Klein, General Manager of the Ulster Youth Orchestra added: “We are delighted that Jamie has been awarded the position of leader in 2020. He is a very talented and hard-working young musician and to be awarded such a beautiful instrument as he transitions to the Royal College of Music is fantastic.”