Meera wins place with the National Youth Orchestra

Talented cellist Meera Raja (U4N) has just been awarded a coveted place with the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) of Great Britain.   Meera, who is one of our Music Scholars, has previously been a member of the Essex Young People’s Orchestra and the National Children’s Orchestra.  On Saturdays, Meera studies at the Royal College of Music’s Junior Department.

Meera says that she only auditioned for the NYO to gain experience, “I didn’t expect to get through the audition stage. My audition was with other cellists who had all auditioned before.  As they were all older than me, I didn’t feel very confident.” Roger Bluff, Director of Music at Bancroft’s School said that “Meera got into the NYO on the strength of her first audition, which is most unusual.” Meera will attend her first course after Christmas and this will be followed by concerts in Leeds, Liverpool and London; however, she is most excited about getting the chance to play at the Proms next summer.

The NYO has been called “the most uplifting orchestra in the world” (‘The Times’).  Through its concerts, educational projects, radio and television broadcasts, the NYO reaches a national audience in excess of 1.4 million.  The NYO has 170 members (including composers) aged between 13 and 19; all members need to have reached Grade 8 distinction on their chosen instrument.

Mary Ireland described Meera’s achievement as “stunning” adding, “This is an incredible achievement for someone so young; membership of the National Youth Orchestra is often given to Sixth Formers.  It is a real recognition of Meera’s ability.”

Meera’s first London appearance with the NYO will be on Friday 7th January 2011 at 7.30pm in the Barbican Hall, London