A TALENTED young musician from Yelverton has been chosen to perform the finale at the BBC's Music Live Festival in Plymouth next month.

Duncan Courts, 19, will play the solo in the Saint Saens Organ Symphony — the music featured in the film 'Babe'— rounds off the concert at Plymouth Pavilions, hosted by TV weatherman Craig Rich.

Duncan said: 'I knew I might be chosen about a month ago — it's only been in the last couple of weeks that I've known for sure.

'I'm looking forward to it — it's a big break for me.'

He is 'very much' looking forward to playing the solo in the organ symphony.

'The piece is reasonably straightforward but it's very rewarding — it's a good piece to play,' he said.

At the moment Duncan's nerves are well under control, though that might change as the big day approaches.

'I never get nervous during the actual performance though,' he said.

Duncan will be accompanied by the combined talents of Devon and Cornwall's Youth Orchestras playing together for first time as a 160-strong symphony orchestra.

Duncan learned to play the piano when he was four.

He began organ lessons at Kelly College with the school's director of music Andrew Wilson and became an organ scholar three years ago.

He is now studying computer science at the University of Birmingham but remains committed to his music. He was awarded the university's organ scholarship, he also sings at the Birmingham Conservatoire and does 'quite a bit' of choir directing.

Phil Jones, co-ordinator of BBC Music Live in the South West, said: 'I've heard Duncan play before in the church in Tavistock and when this concert came up and they decided to do this piece at the end, obviously they needed an organist.

'Having already heard him, and as it's all about celebrating young, local talent, I suggested him.'

Phil said Duncan is an 'outstanding' organist, despite his youth.

'Until a year ago he was still at Kelly — he is capable of playing the most amazing stuff on the organ,' he said.

The concert at Plymouth Pavilions on May 27 will appeal to a family audience with a wide range of music.

The first half includes performances by national junior brass band champions, steel and junk bands and an 80-strong choir.

A specially commissioned piece by East Cornwall composer Simon Speare is featured in the second half. The theme is the River Tamar and it will be performed for the first time by the combined youth orchestra.

'We think the idea of 160 people playing together is quite unusual — the youth music services in Devon and Cornwall have always wanted to play together but never had the opportunity to do it until now,' said Phil.

He said the Music Live Festival aims to involve as many people as possible, as performers, organisers and audiences.

'It is an opportunity for everyone to join in and enjoy live music — from world class stars to people who have never picked up an instrument before,' he said.

Concert host Craig Rich said the concert was a 'wonderful opportunity' to enjoy the talent of the South West's young musicians.

'I can't wait to hear the two youth orchestras playing together — it should be a very impressive sound.'

BBC Music Live runs from May 25 to 29. So far more than 6,000 concerts and open air festivals have been arranged, and extensive live coverage on national and local radio and television is planned.