NCO siblings are making waves

With such a large membership, we often have families with more than one child in the orchestras. This year, the Faram family have three young musicians each with a place in NCO – the siblings took to the BBC airwaves for a chat.

On Tuesday 10 January, Anna and Sam Faram had a rather unusual start to their school day. The young musicians – who are students at Gordano School, North Somerset – began their morning with a trip to the head teacher’s office. Thankfully it was good news, and they were joined by younger brother Lucas and presenter Nigel Dando from BBC Radio Bristol!

The three siblings – Anna, aged 14; Sam, aged 11; and Lucas, aged 9 – were delighted over the Christmas break when they found out that they had each been offered a place in NCO. Their success had sparked interest from the local station, and an interview was arranged.

Anna is a violinist in the Main Orchestra, and this will mark her sixth and final year as a member of NCO. Percussionist Sam first became a member in 2015 and will be a member of the Under 12 Orchestra for 2017. Lucas – also a percussionist – is looking forward to his first year as an NCO member with the Under 10 Orchestra.

Anna said: “It was exciting and strange to see the BBC van parked outside our school – a few children were crowding around and gawping at it! Nigel, the interviewer, was really friendly, and we felt privileged to be able to talk about NCO live on-air.”

The interview lasted for several minutes, and the siblings also had the opportunity to show off their musical talents! Anna performed a section from Haydn's Violin Concerto in G major, whilst Lucas impressed with his colourful xylophone skills.

The young musicians will also partake in the South Westerlies Regional Orchestra together. They commented:  “It will be really fun to play in South Westerlies together, and this will be our last chance before Anna retires! We’re also really looking forward to the residential courses, especially the concerts.”

You can see Anna in action at Colston Hall on Saturday 8 April, when the Main Orchestra take to the Bristol stage for the first public event of the NCO 2017 calendar. Save the date!