IT HAS BEEN a fantastic year for the Glasgow

IT HAS BEEN a fantastic year for the Glasgow

Philharmonia, the city's newest orchestra.

Consisting entirely of 16 to 25-year-olds, and led by a student conductor, it has quickly made its mark on Glasgow's music scene.

Performances alongside stars of stage and screen, and celebrity support from the likes of Judy Murray and the cast of River City, have made sure everyone is talking about Glasgow Philharmonia.

ANN FOTHERINGHAM

and photographer MARK GIBSON enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at rehearsals as the orchestra launches an

appeal for sponsorship.

IT IS exam time for Glasgow's students, so the orchestra assembling in Henry Wood Hall for its latest rehearsal is looking a few violins short of a string section.

But Ross Gunning, the 19-year-old conductor who set up the Glasgow Philharmonia, is unfazed.

"We have to work round everyone's study timetables at this time of the year, and it's harder because we don't have the luxury of regular rehearsals," he explains. "But it will all come together."

The city's newest orchestra, which is made up of 16 to 25-year-olds, started out as a one-off fundraising venture, but it has quickly become a respected part of Glasgow's music scene.

It performed at the Royal Concert Hall's Stars on Parade event and its gala concerts in March drew sell-out crowds and celebrity fans (Judy Murray retweeted videos of River City's Tom Urie singing Mother Glasgow accompanied by the orchestra).

This talented group of young musicians is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with, and Ross is keen to attract sponsorship to help with the increasing costs of staging concerts.

"It would be great if businesses would back us," he explains.

"There's so much happening now it's great, but we do have to increase funds.

"Sponsorship would be fantastic."

At the rehearsal, the community hall is littered with instrument cases, hoodies and bottles of water, as the young musicians wait for Ross's instructions.

Grace Walker took up piano at the age of four, inspired by her musical parents, and now plays the flute.

"I grew up in a home full of music," smiles the 19-year-old, who is studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

"As student musicians, we don't get much opportunity to play in an orchestra, so this is fantastic.

"Ross is a very laid-back conductor, and we all get on well. It's a bit of fun but at the same time, we have been able to perform at some great events.

"Being able to play such different styles of music is really amazing."

Trombone player Gerard Hennan, studying to be a music teacher, agrees: "We spend a lot of time in schools as part of our course, so you have to chase opportunities for orchestral experience outside of your studies."

"We're all learning and Ross holds it together very well."

He adds: "It's great to be able to play with musicians your own age."

Journalism student Catherine Hunter learned violin at school but did not plan to study music.

"It was always my hobby, and when you don't study music, you don't really have people around you who understand why you love it so much," says the 20-year-old.

"It's great to be part of Glasgow Philharmonia for that reason- you get to keep playing."

Catherine adds: "It's good to hear young musicians play such a variety of music too - the experience we are getting is fantastic."

Things are going so well for the orchestra that Ross has had to enlist the support of a manager.

Ben Kearsley, who also plays the viola, has taken on the job of co-ordinating rehearsal schedules, organising meetings and making sure all the musicians have everything they need in the run up to a concert.

"It lets Ross concentrate on conducting," explains Ben, 21.

"It's a sign that the orchestra is really gathering pace.

"And Ross is a great conductor - we can rely on him."