A GIFTED teenager has heard news which is music to her ears as she has been accepted into a prestigious national youth orchestra.

Lottie Anstee, who was born in Colchester, joined the Essex Music Service’s flagship ensemble, the Essex Youth Orchestra, when she was 15.

And by the time she was 16, she was its principal flautist.

Last year Lottie, now 17, successfully auditioned for the prestigious National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain - the world’s greatest orchestra of teenagers.

More than 700 musicians from all over the UK auditioned for the places in the orchestra.

Lottie was able to impress the judges with both her interview and excerpts from two musical pieces of her choice.

The Year 13 student at Colchester County High School for Girls is making the musical breakthrough as well as keeping on top of her A Levels in Music, Psychology, Chemistry and Physics and how has the opportunity of a lifetime.

Lottie began her musical education when she was six-years-old, learning the recorder - as most schoolchildren do.

However, at eight-years-old she became a cut above the rest, being inspired by her recorder teacher who was also a flute player.

She moved to the flute, wanting to play an instrument with a “hauntingly beautiful sound” and by just 13-years-old, she had achieved a distinction at Grade 8.

Lottie has also just gained a distinction in her ABRSM Performance Diploma while studying at the Royal Academy of Music Junior School.

Her music has already taken her far afield - with the Essex Young People’s Orchestra, Lottie has played in France, and with the Essex Youth Orchestra she has played in Hungary and Lisbon.

She has recently played in the Barbican, London, during her first concert tour with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Lottie said she was hugely grateful to have been accepted, saying she had a lot of support and encouragement from her teachers.

She said: “I would like to thank all my teachers and everyone at Essex Music Services for everything they have done to help me in my exciting musical journey.

“I’ve enjoyed the tours abroad, where I have performed in an array of concerts, as well as visiting many wonderful new places.

“The best part of being in an orchestra is the excited buzz when all the musicians are playing with immense passion and dedication to producing an outstanding performance.”

The National Youth Orchestra will be playing at the London Southbank Centre, the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall at Easter.

Lottie’s mum Linda said: “Lottie has thoroughly enjoyed her time with the Essex Young People’s Orchestra from age 13 and progressing to the Essex Youth Orchestra, and I would like to thank everyone involved in Essex Music Services who provide these wonderful opportunities.

“I have many super memories of the fantastic concerts that I have attended, especially the New Year ones in Chelmsford Cathedral.”