TWO brilliant concerts were performed by the South Cotswold Youth Orchestra (SCYO) at a performance in Thornbury.

The audience packed out the Armstrong Hall for the shows on Friday, November 14.

First of all, the crowd was wowed by a children’s concert where they performed an atmospheric ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ which was preceded by a telling of the story of Peer Gynt with the trolls and the Mountain King himself.

This was followed by an outstanding performance of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf with guest narrator John Telfer.

The orchestra produced fantastic performances of the themes depicting the bird, cat, duck, Peter, Peter's Grandfather, the hunters and the Wolf.

The winners of the art and writing competitions were also announced during the day with prizes of a copy of Peter and the Wolf on DVD signed by John Telfer and a print of the artwork from the programmes which was illustrated by the artist Rosie Brooks.

Amongst the attendees was Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb, he said: “The Peter and the Wolf concert performance was a real success, and it was great to see the Armstrong Hall packed with families and children enjoying the show. I hope that many more will be encouraged to take up musical instruments as a result.”

Guy Rawlinson, mayor of Thornbury, also saw the performances, he said: "It was great to hear all the orchestra performing Peter and the Wolf so well. They made the characters in the piece really come to life and it was a joy to see them all enjoying themselves. Well done to everyone involved and good luck with the Let's Play project."

Dury Loveridge, who directs the South Cotswold Youth Orchestra, said: "The SCYO is a fantastic group of young musicians, always playing with enthusiasm and professionalism, but this time they created something really special.

“As the only dedicated stand-alone youth orchestra in the area, they proved why they are some of the area's finest young musicians - something to be proud of."

Also on the night, the group’s new project ‘Let’s Play’ was introduced and launched. It is a scheme which offers group introductory instrumental lessons for children at their Saturday morning music centre based at Marlwood School. These classes are due to start in January 2015.

Lots of people were able to see, hold and have a go at playing a selection of the instruments that will be taught at the sessions.

The scheme allows children to choose which instrument they would like to learn from a choice of flute, clarinet, trombone and violin. An instrument is provided to borrow for the duration of the course so that children can practice.

For more information or to apply for a place, please go to http://www.thornbury-music.org/letsplay/