National Youth Orchestra honour for Islandmagee musician

By Terry Ferry
Published 8th Dec 2022, 15:44 BST
Updated 8th Dec 2022, 15:44 BST
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An Islandmagee musician is celebrating after being admitted into the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Theo Hayward is one of three young people from Northern Ireland chosen to become a member of the orchestra for 2023.

As the Belfast Royal Academy pupil explains in his National Youth Orchestra profile, a switch of instruments has proved rewarding: “I played the violin initially but always preferred the sonority of the viola and started playing it four years ago. From then my love for the instrument has grown exponentially.

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"My grandad helped push my standards higher and inspire me to make music an integral part of my life, not just a hobby.”

Theo is congratulated by East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson after securing a place on the National Youth Orchestra.Theo is congratulated by East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson after securing a place on the National Youth Orchestra.
Theo is congratulated by East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson after securing a place on the National Youth Orchestra.

The talented teenager’s CV also includes experience with the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra,