A YOUNG musician has been selected to play for an elite chamber orchestra under the baton of an top conductor in a one-off concert.

Anthony Satterthwaite, 13, of Darwen Close, Longridge, has been invited to play for the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by world-famous British conductor Jonathan Butcher, next April. A pupil at Stonyhurst College, he is carving a niche for himself as one of the best young musicians in Britain.

He recently gained a distinction in his Royal Associated Schools of Music Grade 8 piano exam and has also passed Grade 7 violin. Students normally sit a Grade 8 exam around 16 to 18 years old and his success has been put down to perfect pitch.

He was spotted by Richard Smythe, administrator of the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools, at a summer school for young musicians from preparatory schools throughout the UK, the best of which were invited to play for the National Symphony Orchestra.

Stonyhurst College marketing and admissions manager said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Anthony and we are very proud of him."

Anthony is a member of the Lancashire Students Symphony Orchestra and studies under Paul Greenhalgh at the Blackburn School of Music.