YOUNG musicians from across North Wales are being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to perform with a full orchestra at an international music festival.

They will be taking to the stage with the resident orchestra NEW Sinfonia at the prestigious North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral.

And it doesn’t matter what standard of playing they have reached or whether they play a string, wind, brass instrument or harp.

Artistic director Ann Atkinson says the young musicians will need to register for the project and attend a workshop at Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin, where tutors will be on hand to guide the young performers.

“All young musicians need to do is register for the project, either by downloading the application form on our website or emailing caroline@nwimf.com," she said.

"There will then be a workshop with NEW Sinfonia musicians on Sunday, September 22 at Ysgol Brynhyfryd where we will also have tutors from music services across North Wales on hand.

“The young musicians will then perform alongside NEW Sinfonia in what will be the opening piece of our orchestral concert on the evening of Thursday, September 26 at St Asaph Cathedral.

“It’s an incredible opportunity and so unusual to have the chance to perform with a full orchestra. It will be an amazing experience. Most young musicians learning an instrument only play to their tutor on a one-to-one basis."

NEW Sinfonia conductor Robert Guy said: “We really couldn’t be happier to continue our relationship with the North Wales International Music Festival. We always really enjoy the workshops and the opportunity to work with young musicians.

“The orchestra has gone from strength to strength. We have 47 musicians many of whom have studied at the most prestigious music colleges in the country.

“The idea of NEW Sinfonia was to give new musicians a chance to perform in an orchestra at the earliest opportunity back home in North Wales."

As well as working with other artists and performers throughout the North Wales International Music Festival week, NEW Sinfonia will be performing as a full orchestra at the Thursday, September 26 orchestral evening concert.

To find out more about the festival and register for the instrumental project, visit www.nwimf.com or email caroline@nwimf.com

All evening concerts start at the new time of 7pm this year.

Tickets are available online, from Theatr Clwyd, Mold on 01352 344101, or Cathedral Frames, St Asaph on 01745 582929.