Congratulations to ex-Chisnallwood music students Liam Johnson (double bass) and Breanna Abbott (bassoon) who have been accepted into the 2017 New Zealand Youth Orchestra.

The New Zealand Youth Orchestra runs under the umbrella of the NZ Symphony Orchestra.

Breanna Abbott is a 2nd year university student studying classical performance. This will be her 3rd year in the NZYO.

Liam Johnson is currently  in year 11 at Burnside High.

The orchestra is for students up to age 25.

The photo is of Liam playing with the Chisnallwood Jazz band when he was at Chisnallwood in 2013.

Since its inception in 1959, the National Youth Orchestra has played a vital role in providing unique opportunities for the country’s most gifted young orchestral performers, many of whom have gone on to forge successful careers as orchestral players, soloists, chamber musicians and teachers. Approximately 50% of the current players in the NZSO are former members of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra.

By Judith Bell