On the evening of Monday 8 June, Truro School Chapel resounded to the strains of the Oboe, as 17 year old Eleanor Sullivan, who is in the Lower Sixth at Truro School, performed in her own recital.

The event raised a magnificent £600 in support of both the Children’s Hospice South West and the National Youth Orchestra.

Eleanor said “I have long been aware of Little Harbour hospice and its wonderful work and wanted to help in some way; to be able to use my passion for music to raise funds is a real privilege.”

Eleanor (pictured right), who was accompanied on the piano by Lucy Melluish (left), played a diverse programme of music, including works by Cimarosa (a contemporary of Mozart), Bozza, Binge, Morricone and Nielsen.

The oboe programme was interspersed with a performance on the cor anglais of Saint Saens’ well known piece, The Swan.

A particular highlight of the evening was the Poulenc Oboe Sonata, with its moving third movement.

Mary Murfin, Community Fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, was also present at the event and took to the stage in the interval to explain some poignant moments from the charity’s work.

Simon Latarche, from Truro School’s Music Department said:

‘A superb musical evening, reflecting the outstanding musical ability of this talented and well-balanced young lady. We are all very proud of Ellie at Truro School.’

Eleanor started learning the oboe at the age of ten and was a member of the Cornwall Youth Orchestra at the age of twelve when she decided her dream was to be an oboist.

By the age of 15 she had passed her ABRSM Diploma with distinction and played concertos in Truro Cathedral with Truro Symphony Orchestra, with the Bristol Ensemble Training Orchestra and with the Penzance Youth String Orchestra, as well as playing with Truro School’s many music ensembles.

In 2013 Eleanor was thrilled to win a place with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and is now in her second year with them.

Last year she played in concerts across the UK including the Sage Gateshead, London’s Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican.

Following this successful fundraiser, Ellie now looks ahead to playing Mahler’s 9th Symphony at the BBC Proms (8 August) and then later in Berlin.