The Twaddles - Michael, 15, Christopher, 14, Joanna, 11, and Sarah, 9 will be our guests at our Christmas Concert in Brighouse Methodist Church on the 8^th of December 2007.

 

All four of them have won places in the prestigious National Youth and National Children's orchestras after wowing top musicians with their talent.

 

Violinist Michael secured his place in the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) after passing a tough selection process. And, not to be outdone, brother Christopher, who plays the viola, and younger sisters Joanna, who plays the cello, and violinist Sarah also landed places in the junior ensemble - the National Children's Orchestra.

 

The brothers and sisters, who live in Guiseley and attend Bradford Grammar School, practise up to three hours a day and often combine their talents to form their own string quartet.

 

Michael, who recently attained Grade 8 standard on the violin, said: "I was very pleased to be selected for the National Youth Orchestra and happy that Christopher, Joanna and Sarah did well, too.

 

"Because members come from all over the country, we attend residential courses. I have just been on one over Christmas and there will be other ones at Easter and during the summer."

 

Michael, who particularly enjoys playing Mozart and Beethoven, added: "So far I have played at St Paul's Cathedral and at the Proms and travelled to China last year where we played the Beijing Festival."

 

Christopher said he had been attracted to the viola because of its deeper, more mellow sound' and despite their success Joanna and Sarah admitted they were just as keen on running for the school's junior cross-country team.

 

The siblings also play for Bradford Grammar upper and lower school orchestras.

"Our mum played the violin and encouraged us to play too, " added Michael.

BGS director of music, Nick Mann, said: "They are a very talented family. I have never heard of four children from the same family gaining places in the national orchestras. I would say it was unprecedented.  "The school is extremely proud of them."

 

The NYO is recognised as one of the world's finest youth orchestras. Members receive intensive coaching from NYO professors - leading professional musicians including top soloists and renowned conductors.

 

The NYO will next perform at London's Barbican and St David's Hall, Cardiff, in April.

 

We are proud to have them as our guests this Christmas.