National Children's Orchestra Interview

Classic FM's Children's Orchestra, the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain, gave a magnificent concert at Cadogan Hall on Friday 30 July.

The NCO has five national age-banded orchestras, open to exceptionally gifted children from 7 to 13 years old. On Friday 30 July the NCO's premier ensemble, Main Orchestra, showcased their talent in London.

The programme began with Sibelius' Karelia Overture and the young musicians immediately demonstrated their brilliance, playing with technical finesse and the youthful energy of those discovering new repertoire, and responding sensitively to their conductor Roger Clarkson.

For the second work, Glazunov's Violin Concerto, the Orchestra was joined by another young musician, Callum Smart, who used to be a member of the NCO himself. He made the most beautiful sound and again played with such great energy. His performance was worthy of a violinist of any age, and it was hard to believe he is just 14.

The final work, Rachmaninov's Symphony No.3, confirmed once more that the NCO is able to hold its own in challenging repertoire.

Classic FM spoke to members of the Orchestra and soloist Callum Smart during the interval. Listen to the interview below...