Matthew Smith, 11, from Nottingham, will conduct the city’s Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Johann Strauss’ operetta Die Fledermaus next month.

He told Sky News: “At first I was nervous but you just get used to doing it, but the thing is you just have to keep counting the beats.”

Matthew has already reached Grade 5 violin and also enjoys playing the drums, guitar, piano and viola but told Sky News that if he doesn’t make it as a professional musician he’d like to work as a scientist or an engineer.

His music teacher and mentor Derek Williams told Sky News he is one of the most talented children he has worked with.

He said: “He undoubtedly does have a natural ability but he hasn’t finished learning.

“He’s doing lots of good things and he has a long way to go but the orchestra is very supportive of what he is doing and hopefully come the time of his first concert he will be ready.”

Matthew’s debut at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall on 2 April will form part of the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra’s “Animal Magic” show.