A WINCHESTER teenager will be playing a key role in this year’s Hampshire County Youth Orchestra concert.

Zoe Carter Tai, 16, is among 150 of the county’s most talented young musicians who will be performing on June 30 at The Anvil in Basingstoke.

“I do get a bit nervous but I really enjoy it. It’s the feeling of having worked for such a long time on different pieces, and then when you play in front of audiences and it all comes together, it’s really nice to see,” she said.

Zoe, of Oliver’s Battery, will be playing violin, but she is also principal flute with Winchester Youth Orchestra and can play the piano and the piccolo.

The King Edward VI student said: “It’s quite hard to fit it all in but I have lots of friends at rehearsals, so it’s not like I’m just there for music – in between rehearsing we have breaks and we have lots of common interests.”

This year the cost of the annual concert will be met by Hampshire technology company, Nymad.

Cofounder Gary Hurlstone said: “My daughter plays in the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra and it’s been a fantastic experience for her to be part of such a talented group. When we heard that long-standing sponsor Eli Lilly was unable to be involved in the summer concert this year, we were keen to show our support by funding the event.”

Carl Clausen, director at Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, said: “The summer concert is an amazing opportunity for everyone involved to play to a large audience and we're extremely grateful to Nymad for sponsoring it this year.”

The orchestras will be joined by former Royal Harpist, Claire Jones and a raffle will be drawn on the night in support of Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, Sebastian's Action Trust, and the ITP Charity for Autoimmune Bleeding Disorders.

To apply for tickets call 0845 456 9866 or email gary.hurlstone@nymad.co.uk.