Talented Trowbridge violinist Katherine Stonham is looking forward to performing live concerts with the National Youth Orchestra in the spring, after being selected from nationwide auditions.

The 16-year-old, who is a pupil at John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge, has been learning the violin since the age of seven, achieving her distinction at grade eight at 11 and her Diploma of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music at 13.

Miss Stonham will get to go on residential courses as part of her selection, where she will be coached by tutors, while she will perform three concerts will the orchestra in April.

She said: “I auditioned back in September and October and found out I had got in towards the end of the year. It is a great achievement and a huge confidence boost for me.

“I’m excited to meet the other orchestra members and go on the residential courses. The competition is difficult, but I had worked hard before the auditions and I was happy I got in.”

She recently held a fundraising recital at John of Gaunt School attended by staff and pupils, which raised £90 towards the NYO of Great Britain – as it needs to raise over £1.5 million every year.

Miss Stonham said: “It was my first fundraiser for the orchestra and I held a 20 minute recital for my friends and teachers, which was really good fun. I’m now looking forward to performing with the orchestra in April.”

The NYO will be performing at Sage Gateshead on April 9, Stoke-on-Trent Festival on April 10 and Royal Festival Hall in Southbank Centre, London, on April 11. For more information, visit www.nyo.org.uk