by FRANCIS ANDREWS One of Barnet's most successful and longest-running music groups is celebrating 40 years of nurturing young musical talent.

The Youth Music Centre (YMC) will mark its anniversary with a performance in July involving all orchestras in the group, along with its choir.

Organisers hope it will demonstrate the enthusiasm and commitment that has carried the YMC forward over the years.

The centre's first official' appearance came in 1967 when it teamed up with the Finchley Children's Music Group in a performance of the renowned English composer, Benjamin Britten's, Noye's Fludde. In the same year, the now-famous pianist, Terence Judd, aged eleven, played the Bach D minor piano concerto with the YMC.

Two years later, Britten invited members to perform at the Aldeburgh Festival. One of the soloists was fourteen-year-old Raphael Wallfisch, now a world-famous cellist.

The group's String Orchestra has given recitals at the Purcell Room, the United Reformed Church, Highgate, and St Mary's Church, Finchley.

Within months of it being set up in September 2001, the choir won its first major prize, the Iris Macer Shield, at the 2002 North London Music Festival. It has since performed at the Royal Festival Hall.

In recent years artistic director Nigel Goldberg has also led the YMC to success in the North London Music Festival, gaining first prize on several occasions.

The YMC, which became a charitable trust in 1999, continues to thrive in Hampstead Garden Suburb. Children as young as 18 months are encouraged to develop an awareness and enjoyment of music, and the centre offers places to children who are otherwise unable to experience the fulfilment of making music.

The 40th anniversary concert will be held at St Jude's Church, Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb, on July 9.

For information, call Jane Barnett on 020 8343 1940 or email mail@youthmusiccentre.com.

Alternatively, visit the website at www.youthmusiccentre.org.uk