Central Coast Youth Orchestra musicians had the opportunity of a lifetime being conducted by London Symphony Orchestra conductor Sir Simon Rattle as part of their Regional Youth Orchestra NSW project at Sydney Opera House.

The six musicians – Minjy Lee, Kaito Deed, Elana Sydenham, Xavier Cardozo, Kayla Lush and Theodore Brown – were selected to take part in the collaboration, which also involved musicians from Sydney Youth Orchestra. 

The five-day camp included rehearsals and sectionals alongside members of the London Symphony Orchestra before a combined performance on Wednesday 3 May at Sydney Opera House. 

The students were given a rare treat when LSO conductor, Sir Simon Rattle, stepped on stage to conduct them in rehearsals, playing Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’.

“We were delighted when we found out he was going to come and work with the students,” said Central Coast Conservatorium of Music Artistic Director Patrick Brennan. “He is a very in-demand person but was very generous with his time. And even after he finished conducting the orchestra he stayed backstage and watched the rest of the rehearsal.”

Conducted by the Elizabeth Scott (Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs), the amassed orchestra of young musicians’ afternoon concert featured compositions celebrating the rich history of British repertoire and also included John Williams’ Star Wars Suite, ‘Throne Room & End Title’.