Teen violinist wins top spot in national orchestra

A teenage violinist from West Yorkshire has been chosen to lead a prestigious youth orchestra.

James Jet Uttley, 17, from Bingley near Bradford, has played violin in the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) for four years and has been selected to be first violinist and lead the 160-strong ensemble in 2027.

James undertook two rounds of auditions to secure the opportunity, which he said was something he had always "dreamed" of doing.

"It's something I've worked quite hard for and I couldn't really imagine from when I first started that I would be leader," he said.

"My dad was also a member of NYO, so he inspired me to get into NYO," he explained.

"He had an amazing time and he said my life would change completely through music if I joined - and he was right."

The NYO consists of teenage musicians from across the UK and was founded in 1948.

James said the orchestra gave young players the chance to perform on some of the biggest stages in the country - including the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and the Barbican in London.

"This is my fourth year as part of the orchestra, and in my first year I started out on the very back 'desk' of the violins," he said.

"It's been a journey working my way up and having more opportunities."

James explained that in his role as first violin, he would have "a few more responsibilities than the average musician in the orchestra".

"I will be in touch and communicating and forming a relationship with our conductor," he said.

"Then, I'm also in charge of relaying information to the rest of my section and communicating with the other sections of the orchestra."

He said he had first picked up the violin aged six, inspired by his dad.

Now he is preparing for auditions for music conservatoires and making applications for the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music in London and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

"I do hope to go into the profession," he said.

"I think anyone can survive the music industry if they're innovative and they're thinking about transforming the music industry."

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