The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation was honoured to be invited to present awards at the end of season concert for the Dorset Music Service County Ensembles.

Over 100 talented young musicians took part in the concert, performing to an audience of over 300 people. Tickets sales raised more than £1300 and the JTYAF was delighted to have been chosen as the recipient charity for this prestigious event.

The concert was held at Bryantston School and not only marked the end of season, but was also the result of a residential weekend of activities and rehearsals. This celebration of musical talent was inspirational. The young musicians performed to an extremely high level and their enjoyment and enthusiasm was evident. Their achievement, an electrifying performance, was testament to their own commitment and dedication and also to the hard work of their talented musical professionals. The audience showed their appreciation with sustained applause and with a variety of genres, from Vivaldi to Coldplay, every musical interest was catered for.

The JTYAF was delighted to present the John Thornton Music Awards to nine talented musicians who were selected because of the remarkable progress that they had made during the season and for their outstanding commitment to the Dorset Youth Orchestras. The bursaries attached to these awards will provide them with the opportunity to further their musical development.

Dorset Youth Orchestra - Gold Award to Mairead O'Connell Dorset Apprentice Orchestra - Silver Award to Joanna Boyd Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra - Silver Award to Isaac Gibbs Dorset Youth Wind Orchestra - Silver Award to Charlotte Read Dorset Youth String Ensemble - Silver Award to Lydia Salmon Dorset Youth Percussion Ensemble - Bronze Award to William Thomas Dorset Youth Concert Band - Bronze Award to Dominic Myers Dorset Youth Starter Strings - Bronze Award to Sammy Kynaston

Dorset Youth Voices - Bronze Award to Lorelei Heyns

Councillor Toni Coombs, Cabinet member for education at Dorset County Council, said:

"I'm always blown away by the talent of our young musicians and really enjoy watching them perform. The Dorset Music Service offers young people a chance to learn something different, have fun and grow a passion for music that lasts a lifetime. I'd like to thank the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation for their support and for giving so many young people in Dorset the opportunity to further their musical talents."

Congratulations to the John Thornton Award winners and to all those who worked so hard to ensure that the end of season concert was such a spectacular success.