The world renowned pianist, who lives on the outskirts of Bellingen in The Promised Land, played two solo pieces, Souvenir d’Andaluza and Paganini Etude No.3 La Campanella, before joining the full orchestra of more than 90 musicians for a section of Rhapsody in Blue.

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The orchestra was augmented by alumni who have gone on to study music at university returning to join the anniversary celebrations.

They included flautist Suzanne Sherrington, currently completing a Doctorate of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium; violinist Esther Henderson, a member of the Tek Tek Ensemble; clarinetist Blake Cutler; viola player Liam Mallinson; and violinist Lachlan Wilkins.

Four of the alumni treated the audience to solo performances and some also formed jazz ensembles with current orchestra members.

Their reflections on 10 years of the BYO were contained in the program notes.

Suzanne Sherrington reminisced about “the tiny primary school violins dotted throughout the orchestra, distinctive with their blue t-shirts and their lack of shoes” and conductor “Annie [Phelan] up the front, working her magic week after week”.

Blake Cutler said there was no doubt that his experiences with the orchestra were the catalyst for him studying Education “so that I can create my own BYO in the future”.

“BYO rehearsals were the highlight of my week for many years,” noted Liam Mallinson. “From the amazingly talented seniors, to the wonderful tutors, and of course the inspirational Annie, there was always someone in BYO to look up to and aspire to become.”

After a standing ovation at Saturday’s matinee performance, for their encore the orchestra reprised the  fast-paced finale of Lord of the Dance by Ronin Hardiman, giving both players and conductor a good workout, as well as the audience’s toes.

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