By Dr. Sinclair N. Grey III
Can we be honest for a moment and say that it’s rare to hear anything positive on the news, especially when it comes to children? For some reason, the media seems obsessed with reporting on so many negatives that people have decided to avoid watching and/or reading about any news altogether. Because the news has corrupted the minds of so many people, when something positive happens that needs to be reported, it’s often overlooked.
Well, that won’t be the case here. Why? When something positive that’s also historical happens, we want the world to know about it.
Case in point – Matthew Smith, an 11-year-old British child prodigy will become the world’s youngest orchestra conductor.
He is a Grade 5 standard violinist. In addition to that, he also plays the drums, piano, and guitar. Needless to say, Smith is extremely talented for his age.
On April 2nd, he will be leading the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra (NSO) play Die Fledermaus at the Royal Concert Hall.
According to an article in Daily Mail, the young Smith said, “There are some difficult parts where the music gets faster so I have to move my arms more but I’m getting the hang of it. I have been practising a lot and can now conduct the whole piece from memory and I’m really excited to put my skills to the test and conduct a real orchestra.” Isn’t it amazing that an 11-year-old can conduct Johann Strauss’ operetta Die Fledermaus from memory?
Smith’s performance will form a part of NSOs ‘Animal Magic!’ show.
The music programme manager of the Royal Concert Hall, Neil Bennison said, “Successful conductors have to be team managers, leaders, motivators and diplomats, and these people skills take time to develop and require a level of maturity that only comes with years of experience.”
Just how big is the orchestra Smith will be conducting? 75 members. So far, it’s been reported that Smith is doing fine and has gained the respect of the members.
Matthew Smith is definitely making history. He truly has a gift.
