Custom House teenager joins schools orchestra

A talented teenager who has been playing the cello for four years has been accepted onto the London Schools Symphony Orchestra.

Jordan Anson, 14, from Custom House is in Year 10 at St Bonaventure’s in Forest Gate. He gives up each Saturday to play at the Centre of Young Musicians in Lambeth.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “Although he has only been playing cello for four years, Jordan is already wowing his tutors by reaching Grade 8. He applied to join the LSSO in the summer and underwent a series of gruelling auditions a fortnight ago, playing pieces as part of an ensemble as well as a solo. Jordan chose the complex ‘Tarantelle’ for his individual piece.

“His talent must have impressed the Head of Strings and the Conductor as Jordan received a letter at the weekend to say he had successfully gained a place on the world renowned orchestra.”

The LSSO is a symphony orchestra with musicians drawn from students in London schools and features professional conductors and soloists. It offers talented London schoolchildren first class musical training and education. Founded in 1951, the LSSO is one of the most potent symbols of the talents and achievements of London’s youth. Every year concerts are held at the Barbican Centre with intensive rehearsals crammed in during school holidays.

The youngsters who are selected for the prestigious LSSO have to be dedicated to succeed. The rewards are great with regular tours throughout Europe commonplace. Last year they played in Poland but performances as far afield as Japan and Argentina are not unheard of.