There is no doubt that Helena Rose is a prodigy! Her skill as a violinist entranced the audiences who heard her play at the Lochaber Music Festival, and especially at the Grand Concert on the Friday evening where she received a thunderous applause for her performance. She has such a mastery of the instrument already, and as you listen to her play, and close you eyes, you could be listening to a professional adult—yet she is only ten!
She already has a large repertoire of classical music, some of which demands a real mastery of the instrument, yet Helena plays with such ease and has great skill in using all the various positions on the violin. She is such a happy child, so unassuming, yet immensely gifted as a musician.
Perhaps, it should come as no surprise, for her father, Peter, is a highly professional pianist and composer, and accompanies her at the piano with great sensitivity. Her mother, Hazel, is also a very fine musician, and as well as being an excellent pianist, is also accomplished at playing the saxophone and clarinet. Helena’s younger sister, Francesca, aged five, is already showing signs of being a skilled cellists, and gave a lovely performance at the festival and at the evening concert. The hills (at Inverroy) are certainly alive with the Sound of Music!

Our sincere congratulations to Helena on winning the Fort William Rotary Club Cup for the Young Musician of the Year.  Who knows, she may yet be a future Nicola Benedetti!
Everyone who attends the 11.30 a.m. mass at St. Margaret’s on Sundays also knows that Helena is a first class server, and a great help to Fr Tom.  God bless her.