Not many people get the chance to conduct an orchestra, but thanks to The Courier one little boy did.
Behind him a packed hall, the expectant audience eager for the music to begin. In front of him, the serried ranks of the musicians, gazing at him on the podium in poised concentration as they await his command.
The maestro raises his baton, strikes the first beat….and the sound of Jingle Bells fills the Caird Hall in Dundee.
That was eight-year-old Lachlan Latto’s introduction to the joys of conducting an orchestra, courtesy of The Courier’s Money Can’t Buy competition.
His prize was to preside over the first encore at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s Christmas concert in front of an audience almost 1,800-strong.
Lachlan, a pupil at Barnhill Primary, was in charge of 77 professional musicians and the children’s chorus.
The main conductor, Christopher Bell, made sure his young protege had a chance to practice his baton technique before taking to the stage in front of his delighted family.
The Lattos had been planning to attend the concert anyway, and when dad Steven won the contest he decided to pass on the chance to conduct to his son.
To make sure Lachlan looked the part, The Courier arranged for him to receive his own baton. Sam Stone from the RSNO explained to him: ”It’s like a magic wand. The orchestra have to obey everything you say.”
Was eight too young for such a challenge? Sam did not think so, saying: ”We are always on the lookout for new talent.”
Lachlan’s proud mum Kirstie said: ”We had a wee practice at teatime. We were told no experience was needed.”
Lachlan was able to watch the end of the orchestra’s warm-up session before he was greeted by Christopher, who told him: ”The show can’t go on without you.”
Maestro, mini-maestro and mum disappeared off to the dressing room for some ”complex discussions” on the art of conducting.
Lachlan and his family then took their seats to enjoy a concert full of favourite festive melodies and singalong carols before Christopher introduced him on stage for his moment of glory, conducting Jingle Bells, which was composed in the 1850s.
Afterward Lachlan said: ”I was a bit nervous, it was really scary. It was good when I was facing the musicians but it was scary when I turned round because I was facing the audience, but I enjoyed it.”
Mum Kirstie added: ”He said his heart was beating fast but it was really nice, he did well.”