Liz Smith MSP has tabled a Motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating Perth Youth Orchestra on their 50th Anniversary. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said: “I warmly congratulate Perth Youth Orchestra on marking their 50th Anniversary. “Founded in 1962, by two Perth musicians, Louis Barnett and John Davie, with the support of a small number of parents, it gave its first concert on 25th June 1964. With the support of the Friends of PYO it has provided the opportunity for generations of the best young orchestral musicians in the area to play challenging and exciting music from the concert repertoire, performing not only in Perth but elsewhere in Scotland, and also on tour, most recently to Germany and before that in Poland and Estonia. “Perthshire and Kinross-shire has long held a strong reputation for providing opportunities for children to excel in music with demand for instruction remaining as high as ever. “Over 1600 pupils receive instruction with a considerable number of these go on to sit SQA music examinations. As everyone knows instrumental pupils also contribute significantly over the school year performing in concerts, services, prize-giving and social evenings. “Perth Youth Orchestra will be returning from their summer tour of Italy to perform a concert at Horsecross on the 26th August to bring to a close the Orchestra’s anniversary celebrations. “Congratulations must go to all who have been involved over the past 50 years, and wish Perth Youth Orchestra all the best in the future.”