Talented Sanderstead flautist has London mayor in her sights

By aedwards

London mayor Boris Johnson could be in for a musical treat thanks to 10-year-old flute player Emma Dinnage.

The talented youngster, has only been playing the instrument for two years, but has already passed Grade 5 with the highest grade – a distinction – and says the mayor is the famous person she'd most like to play for.

Musical Emma plays in concerts organised by Croydon Music and Arts and has played in Croydon and Sutton music festivals, and won three medals for her performances.

She also played with other musicians at the 70th birthday concert for virtuoso flautist James Galway in Fairfield Halls last year.

Now, the gifted girl hopes to play for Boris Johnson, who she thinks will enjoy the music, after he attended one of her concerts.

She said: "I'd like to play to him again and make him a fan of the flute.

"I feel happy when I play the flute, sometimes I get a bit nervous beforehand but usually I'm fine. I don't think I'd worry about playing for Boris."

Emma, who goes to Atwood Primary School in Sanderstead, became hooked on the flute after her school put on a demonstration of different instruments.

She added: "It was quite hard to begin with but it got easier as I carried on. I practise every day and I know most of my pieces off by heart."

Emma, from Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead, also plays the piccolo and is teaching herself the keyboard.

Her teacher Carolyn Kelly says the musician is a dream pupil and believes she could turn professional.

She explained: "She's very committed and practises so hard. I think she could be a professional flautist.

"For someone so young, she's very mature, and we have lovely chats about how she wants to express the piece, and how to perform it."