Jersey conductor returns for Easter concert

A musician born and trained in Jersey has returned to the island to be the guest conductor for an Easter concert by the Jersey Symphony Orchestra (JSO).

After receiving musical training in Jersey, James Southall went on to study as an organ scholar at Queen's College Cambridge and then at the Royal College of Music in London.

Now he is music director at the Royal Welsh College of Music.

Mr Southall said he was delighted to be back with the JSO: "It's a special project for me , I used to play in the cello section over 20 years ago, so to come back and to work with this fantastic group of people is a real privilege."

Orchestra leader Martin Smith said the performance called Serenade for Spring was "one of the most romantic programmes" they had performed.

The night also features a saxophone solo by resident Matthew Lombard.

Mr Lombard said: "I really enjoy being able to connect to other musicians on the island. I enjoy being able to share my art and my passion with them."

Not only does the JSO include local musicians, it also invites professionals from the UK to play alongside them.

Mr Skinner said he helped organise musicians from the mainland to join the orchestra saying they "add that bit more confidence to the players".

"Some of them become your closest friends forever because having worked in this sort of environment, it's a perfect place to nurture friendships," Mr Skinner said.

Violinist Rebecca Waller has been coming to Jersey to perform for 28 years and said "it's always a privilege to be invited to come and play".

"I've made some proper friends here, there's a lot of love in this orchestra".

The performance at Les Quennevais School takes place on Saturday starting at 19:30 BST.

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