Daniel Britt’s passion for music began at the age of five and has flourished ever since.
Britt, a second-year St. Thomas University student, is going to China next month with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and he couldn’t be more excited.
Britt discovered music after he started playing the piano. Two years later, when he was seven years old, he started playing the cello. He hasn’t stopped playing since.
“I originally wanted to play violin. I could only find a cello teacher so I did that instead….I’m glad things turned out the way they did,” Britt said.
In the fall of 2007, he joined the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra.
The NBYO serves about 80 young musicians each year and strives to inspire and enrich youth in the performance of orchestra music.
Even though his four years with the NBYO have been tough, they’ve been extremely rewarding, Britt said.
“I immediately fell in love with the lifestyle of a symphony orchestra,” he said.
“The practices are very demanding but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Britt has been selected to perform with the Youth Orchestra of the Americas on their upcoming tour to China. The Youth Orchestra of the Americas admired how the NBYO has implemented El Sistema, a program originating in Venezuela that teaches music to young underprivileged children around the world at no cost.
“It’s an incredibly effective program and it’s now producing the best musicians in the world,” Britt said.
The group leaves on Dec. 12. They plan on visiting and performing in several major cities in China, including Beijing.
“Playing these professional masterpieces in front of audiences is rewarding in itself,” Britt said.
“Being in this economic powerhouse of the world will be life-changing.”
