On Sunday 1 December 2019 Dumfries and Galloway Youth Orchestra started off the Dumfries festivities leading up to the ceremony of switching on the town centre Christmas lights.  Ably directed by Jane Hainey the orchestra performed in sub zero temperatures on the Plainstanes in front of the Mid Steeple.  

 

The first piece they played was the Waltz from the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky.  Dancers from Dumfries School of Dance braved the elements in their dance costumes to perform a ballet to the music.  A magnificent show by all performers was much appreciated by the watching crowd.

 

After that the youth orchestra gave a spirited performance of the Trepak dance also from the Nutcracker.  The audience applause was so insistent that they were induced to play it again, this time at breakneck speed and again to great appreciation!

 

The whole event goes to show what can be achieved by young players if they are given the teaching and the encouragement.  There really is nothing to beat a musical education for bringing out the best in youngsters!