A TALENTED young musician will perform with the acclaimed National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain — despite only playing the flute for two years.

Lostock Primary pupil Alexandra Clarke is so talented that she has skipped grade four and is working towards her grade five exam.

Fiona Berry, Alexandra’s personal music teacher, suggested she audition for The National Children’s Orchestra.

She took up the challenge and spent a lot of her free time preparing.

Auditions took place at 30 venues across the UK and Alexandra performed in front of judges near Leeds at the end of October.

She had to perform two pre-prepared pieces of her choice, Danish Blues and Entree Des Jeunes Nubiennes, then another two pieces of sight reading.

Alexandra, aged 11, said: “I was ecstatic when I opened the letter. It was like a dream come true.”

Asked about her future ambitions, she added: “I would like to be considered for the fabulous opportunity to play with the more senior National Children’s Orchestras in the future.”

The orchestra received a record number of applications this year and Alexandra successfully auditioned for one of just six flautists. Her headteacher, Gill Smith, said Alexandra was very proud to have been offered a place in the orchestra which is said to be one of the best children’s orchestras in the world.

Alexandra will now attend a summer residential course and concert and also perform in a 35th Anniversary Gala. There will also be a chance to join a regional orchestra which will meet in Leeds several times per year.

l A teenager from Bolton School has also been asked to join the National Children’s Orchestra. Vasudha Marthi, aged 13, said: “It is a great privilege and honour. I have been playing the clarinet for five years and I am amazed to be chosen.”

She plays with the Bolton School Concert Band and the Rochdale Concert Band.

Vasudha will join the under-13 orchestra and could also perform at the Royal Festival Hall in London and the Birmingham Symphonic Hall.