A YOUNG cellist from Malvern showed she is a star in the making after being invited to join the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO).

Genevieve Phillips, aged 13, a year eight pupil at Malvern St James, is returning to the cello section of the NCO as an associate member for a fourth time.

She will now be attending an NCO course in Weston-super- Mare and practising works including Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and The Dambusters March.

Genevieve, who has set her sights on a coveted place in the National Youth Orchestra, said: “I really like meeting new people and playing music with them.

“The conductor is excellent and he makes rehearsals a lot of fun. My ambition is to become a professional soloist as I love playing in concerts and performing to audiences.”

Malvern St James headmistress Patricia Woodhouse said: “Genevieve is an outstanding musician already and at such a young age.

“We are very proud of her achievements and thrilled to hear that she has once again achieved a much-coveted place in the NCO.”