In a church in West Everton, a youthful chamber orchestra tunes up

'Don’t be put off. I don’t want to see timidness'

Dear readers — today’s story is about In Harmony, a pioneering music programme training youth orchestras made up of children from the most deprived areas of Liverpool. Mollie sat in on a rehearsal for their Christmas concert and interviewed the conductor about how the project is benefitting them. Enjoy.

We also have a mini briefing with some local news in brief, a Covid-19 update and some Christmas events to get you in the spirit.

This is our final members-only edition of the year — we will bring readers a festive story by Robin Brown this weekend, plus one long read at the end of the month. A big thank you to everyone who signed up to support The Post and sent us lovely messages about what you’ve been enjoying. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.

🎄 And finally: if you’re stuck for ideas, give a Christmas present that requires no shopping, emits no carbon and will give pleasure all year — a membership to The Post. Just hit the button below to gift a subscription.