A TALENTED schoolgirl has made her professional debut in an epic tale which features some of Mozart’s most beautiful pieces.

Erin Hornsby, of Llandudno Junction, is part of the cast of The Welsh National Opera’s The Magic Flute.

The tour began in February and takes in Venue Cymru in Llandudno this month.

Erin, 15, has been a member of Llandudno Youth Music Theatre (LYMT) since she was aged seven.

She started in the younger group Stagenotes, before moving up to LYMT when she was 12.

Erin became a member of the Welsh National Opera Youth Opera when they branched into North Wales last year.

In the production, Erin plays one of the three spirits who act as guardians and advisors in the performance.

She got the part after sending a voice recording of her singing; she put this forward after receiving an email from the Welsh National Youth Opera last year about the part for one of the three spirits.

Auditions had to open up as not enough boys had come forward for the parts.

Erin, a pupil at Ysgol John Bright, said: “I taught myself the song they had sent and recorded that. I also recorded a folk song I knew as they asked for one too.

“They emailed back soon after asking if I could go down to Cardiff and audition. I got home from school and mum gave a card to say I got the part.

North Wales Pioneer:

Erin Hornsby. Picture: Kerry Roberts

“I was really excited as this is the biggest thing I’ve ever done and such an amazing opportunity for me.

“The first night was quite surreal. The first performance was in the Millennium Centre down in Cardiff. I was a bit nervous but as soon as I got on stage that feeling went away.”

The story of The Magic Flute focuses on the Queen of the Night, who coaxes Tamino to rescue her beautiful daughter Pamina from the grip of the evil enchanter Sarastro.

Guided by three boy-spirits they reach Sarastro’s realm, but as they overcome a series of challenges, it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems.

Erin said: “The experience has been fantastic, I get along well with the two other boys on my team and everybody there is really kind and welcoming. It’s a really good production and I have a lot of fun doing it.

“I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity and I hope to continue to grow from this experience.

“Playing one of the boys is really fun, we get to fly on a bike and help the characters along the way.

“There has been a lot of travelling. Back and forth for rehearsals in Cardiff sometimes two or three times a week and now touring back and forth from shows. It’s a long way but it has been worth it.”

As well as shows in Cardiff, Erin has been in Plymouth and was heading down to Bristol when she spoke to the Pioneer.

“Most of my family have been to see the production so far including my mum, dad and two of my sisters but everyone else is coming when we perform in Llandudno," she said.

“I love being on stage and singing so I would like to be in more productions like this.”

Mum Sharon added: “We are very proud of Erin. She is quickly becoming well-travelled.

“John Bright have been excellent with Erin. She has been catching up on work on the train.”

The Magic Flute is at Venue Cymru on April 25 at 7.15pm and April 27 at 3pm. Visit www.venuecymru.co.uk/magic-flute