YOUNG trombonist Rhiannon Symonds from Yorkley gets a solo spot in the Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra spring concert being planned for March 24.

It is to be held at Newnham St Peter's Church and the orchestra will be under the musical direction of its energetic young conductor, Thomas Payne.

Thomas studied violin and conducting at the Birmingham Conservatoire and will perform Mozart's Overture to 'The Magic Flute' and the concertino for trombone by David in the first half.

Rhiannon, 14, has been playing the trombone for five years. At the age of 11 she passed her Grade 8 with distinction and at 12 became the youngest ever brass player in the prestigious National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales where she is currently principal trombone.

In January last year Rhiannon competed at the Chandos Symphony Orchestra Young Musician of the Year competition and was awarded the title of Most Promising Player for the second successive year and in February she won the Newark National Brass Festival.

During March Rhiannon was a concerto soloist with the Solihull Symphony Orchestra and became the youngest trombonist in the UK to pass the Associate of the Trinity Guildhall London (ATCL) examination following a 40 minute recital. In July she performed at the Ryedale Festival on behalf of Future Talent and took up the co-principal trombone position with the National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

In November, Rhiannon was runner-up in the AXA Ambition Awards in the Arts category, a highly competitive national competition, and performed for the third time at the Royal Albert Hall for the Music For Youth Schools Prom. To close the year Rhiannon was successful in auditioning for positions with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain and securing her Grade 8 with distinction on euphonium.

A spokesperson for the orchestra said: "We're thrilled to be playing alongside Rhiannon in this concert – she's easily the youngest soloist we've ever had but she's also so inspirational – we recommend all young musicians to come along and hear what can be achieved with hard work and determination."

Following the interval the second half will entirely devoted to a performance of Johannes Brahms's mighty second symphony.

The concert will start at 7.30pm and tickets are available at the door with accompanied children under 14 free.