YOUNGSTERS with Pendle Youth Orchestra now have an international accompanist to help them rehearse.

Oxana Wilde came to live in the area from Russia - with love.

Aged 25, she left behind a flourishing musical career to marry Michael Wilde and make her new home in Lomeshaye Road, Nelson.

She studied at the Pedagogical Institute in Tashkent and at the Moscow Conservatoire before developing her work with opera companies and through solo appearances on Russian television and radio.

When not performing on stage Oxana devoted her time to helping young musicians and used her skills as a qualified piano teacher, accompanist and choral conductor to encourage students to make the most of their talents.

One of Mrs Wilde's first ventures with the Pendle Youth Orchestra will be to help them rehearse an impressive programme of music they are learning for a Last Night of the Proms concert in aid of the Burnley and Pendle Hospice.

The concert will be at the Pendle Hippodrome, Colne, and organisers are advising people to book early to make sure of a seat.

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