Exquisite old violin in safe hands with Jamie

Talented young Lisburn musician Jamie Howe will have the honour of playing a precious 239-year-old violin during his tenure as leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra (UYO).
Jamie Howe with the 239-year-old Milton violin - made by Joseph Gagliano in the late 1700sJamie Howe with the 239-year-old Milton violin - made by Joseph Gagliano in the late 1700s
Jamie Howe with the 239-year-old Milton violin - made by Joseph Gagliano in the late 1700s

Made by the renowned Neapolitan maker Joseph Gagliano in the late 1700s, the exquisite instrument was donated to the Arts Council by Professor Alan Milton in 1980 and has, in recent years, been on loan to the UYO.

Jamie faced a rigorous audition process to become the orchestra’s leader, however, his credentials are already quite impressive.

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As well as his latest success, the 18-year-old is also a member of the viola section of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and is a current student at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester.

Jamie was offered a place in the sixth form at Chetham’s to take his ‘A’ levels alongside his musical studies in violin, viola and piano. From September, he plans to continue his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Established in 1993, the UYO is the National Youth Orchestra of Northern Ireland and is supported by public funding along with National Lottery funding through the Arts Council.

The orchestra offers the highest level of orchestral training available in Northern Ireland – and through its annual summer residential courses, concerts and outreach projects, the UYO provides a significant number young gifted musicians with the opportunity to develop their musical skills.

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UYO general manager Paula Klein said the orchestra is delighted that Jamie has been awarded the position of leader.

“He is a very talented and hard-working young musician and to be awarded such a beautiful instrument as he transitions to the Royal College of Music is a fantastic boost to his new studies,” she said.

“The directors of the Ulster Youth Orchestra are extremely grateful to the Arts Council for providing the leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra with the opportunity of playing such a fine instrument,” Ms Klein added.

Ciaran Scullion, head of music at the Arts Council of NI, said: “Congratulations to Jamie in becoming leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra. The orchestra has become a vibrant and creative force in the musical life of Northern Ireland, bringing top quality orchestral playing to a wide audience, and providing gifted young musicians with access to the very best professional players, tutors and conductors.

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“Thanks to the generosity of Professor Milton, we are able to provide this exceptional instrument to generations of our best young violinists. We have no doubt [Jamie} will put this very special opportunity to great use.”

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