THE two orchestras of the Cornwall Music Education Hub once again held their annual Easter concerts in Truro Cathedral to mark the end of the 2017/18 season, with a fond farewell paid to director Janet Elston as she steps down after 29 years.

The Cornwall Youth Orchestra, directed by Tim Boulton, held two concerts. The first, on Thursday, April 12, was a free informal concert to which groups from day centres and care homes were invited.

This was followed by a formal concert on the Friday evening.

This year’s programme, ‘From darkness to light’, featured an exciting selection of pieces from Sibelius, Debussy, Shostakovich and Dvorák and included a stunning solo by 13-year-old local violinist, Biletugs Lut, who has already achieved a number of international accolades.

The Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra held their spring concert on Saturday, April 14 with a programme of rousing music, which included pieces by Richard Strauss, Alfred Reed and Phillip Sparke.

The music conjured up images of journeys through both the English countryside in Nigel Hess’ Thames Journey and the exotic locations of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Alex Poelman.

The concert marked the end of an era for the orchestra as, after 29 years, director Janet Elston stepped down from her role and handed over the baton to new director, Sara Munns.

The coaches and players of the orchestra presented Janet with a number of gifts as thanks for her tremendous hard work and support.

The Cornwall Youth Orchestra and the Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra are two of the Cornwall Music Education Hub’s county level ensembles, which provide inspirational progression opportunities for the young musicians of Cornwall.

Outgoing director and conductor, Janet Elston, has been in the role for 29 years and lives in St Breward. During the 29 years in the role, Janet’s highlights for the orchestra have been performing at the Edinburgh Festival, in the Isles of Scilly, and even filming a black and white movie and putting the music over it.

She said: “After 29 years, I just felt someone else should have the opportunity to have a go. I feel I’ve been a bit selfish, really, having it all to myself after all that time.

“There are two top orchestras in Cornwall — the Cornwall Youth Orchestra, and the Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra. I thought I’d give it up while I still had a passion for it, and give someone else the chance to take it in a different direction.”