Five children from Merton have been given the opportunity to develop their musical talent following a £14,500 grant from the Mayor of London.

Luke Lavender, 10 (clarinet), Sofia Orsinova, 9 (horn), Jethro Thompson, 9 (violin), Ella Rogers, 10 (flute) and Nikita Kasparov, 10 (violin) will all take part in the scholarship programme for the next four years.

The Mayor’s Fund for Young Musicians (MFYM) was set up last year to offer children with musical talent a four-year scholarship to learn a musical instrument.

MFYM raises private funding working with borough music services to identify gifted children whose families are unable to pay for tuition. It gives scholars free individual or small group tuition, free after-school and Saturday morning music school classes, instrument loan, performance opportunities, visits to professional concerts in major London venues and an all-important mentor.

During a visit to the Civic Centre three of the five children met the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis who congratulated them for being selected.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “This is a great opportunity for children to excel in their instrument of choice in the wonderful world of music. I am sure we will hear again from these talented youngsters in four years time.’

ENDS