TROWBRIDGE’S most musical sisters have furthered their potential after they were both selected to be part of the reputable National Youth Orchestra (NYO).

Rachel and Katherine Stonham, who both play piano and violin, have been picked out as some of the brightest and most promising young musicians from across the UK.

Katherine, 17, has further reason to celebrate after she was crowned the winner of Bath Young Musician of the Year on Tuesday (November 8), for her piano performance in the city’s Pump Room venue.

The John of Gaunt pupil said: “I was really surprised because the violin is my main instrument, so to win the competition playing piano was totally unexpected.

“I was quite nervous beforehand because the Pump Room is a big venue and lots of my family were watching.

“Of the three pieces I played on the night, Scarlatti was my favourite one.”

Katherine was selected to compete in the final against four other young musicians after she performed at the Mid Somerset Festival in March.

Days before the prestigious win the teenager was told that she had been selected for the NYO for the fourth consecutive year.

The NYO’s aim is to be the ‘the most inspirational orchestra for young people’ and comprises 165 musicians from across the UK.

“As good as winning Bath Young Musician was, I’m more pleased that I’ve been selected to be part of the orchestra again as it’s so beneficial for a young musician such as myself,” she added.

“You are taught by professional tutors as part of the orchestra and go on concert tours, which gives you really vital experience.”

Rachel, 15, who also attends the school in Wingfield Road, will be competing in the NYO for the second year.

She said: “It was really great to be selected for the orchestra.

“I want to go on to study music at university and hopefully become a professional musician and the orchestra is a great platform for that.”

Katherine and Rachel’s next involvement in the orchestra will be in the Christmas holidays.