AN 11-YEAR-OLD is looking forward to living his dream at Whittington Music Festival this year.

Harry Pinsent is preparing to perform at the perform his viola in one of the festival's six concerts with Parisien violist Léa Hennino.

The Shrewsbury youngster will perform in a 10-minute-long musical arrangement written specifically for him.

At last year's festival, Harry played his violin and was so inspired by Léa that he took up the viola the following weekend.

He has already achieved Grade 5 and came first in the 12-and-under Strings Class at the Oswestry Youth Music Festival in March.

Harry insists he is looking forward to the festival.

“I can’t wait,” said Harry.

“Léa is a brilliant musician, and I look forward to learning so much from her.”

Harry will be playing an arrangement of well-known tunes by Bohemian composers Dvorak and Smetana.

He will be joined by nine other young Shropshire musicians together with the professionals at the concert on Friday, May 24.

The traditional young musicians’ contribution has become a highlight of the annual festival, which this year is entitled Czech Mates.

Léa is an international artist who has belonged to different prestigious ensembles across Europe and the USA, and recently performed with the European Union Chamber Orchestra in Oswestry as part of the Oswestry School Recital Series.

She is now back again as one of the 11 world-class musicians who are staying in the area to rehearse and perform at the Whittington festival.

Tickets are available for the festival’s remaining concerts at the door of St John the Baptist Church Whittington.

Full details may be found at www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk