A YOUNG musician from York is playing host to two overseas members of the prestigious National Children's Orchestra, which is performing a concert in the city's Minster tomorrow.

Amie Owen, aged 14, from Escrick, welcomed fellow violinist Natalie John, 13, from Duisburg, Germany, and oboist Meggie Cooper, also 13, from the Channel Islands, and took them on a guided tour of the city.

Amie, who was hoping to show her friends plenty of the local sights, joined the orchestra at 11. She is the daughter of Ruth and Robert Owen, whose musical family also includes 16-year-old Lauren, another violinist, and Grace, aged 11, who plays piano and clarinet.

The National Children's Orchestra has been preparing for the Minster concert by working with guest conductor Howard Williams, who has conducted most of the major orchestras of Great Britain, including the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestras.

The Minster concert starts at 7pm, and includes music by Nicolai, Debussy, Walton, Adams, Wood and Offenbach.

Tickets priced at £6, £8, and £10, with a £2 reduction for concessions, will be available on the door, or can be purchased in advance from Ticket World on 01904 644194.

Updated: 11:26 Thursday, August 30, 2001