At the age of 17, North Somerset cellist Elspeth Westaway is to perform to Steven Isserlis, one of the world's best cellists, in front of more than 300 people.

Elspeth, a student at Churchill Community School Sixth Form Centre, North Somerset, was one of three cellists chosen for a master class with Mr Isserlis.

She will perform a piece of her choice to him, and he will give her his views on style, interpretation and technique.

The master class was organised by Cossington Concerts, which was set up in Somerset in 2002 by Mozart scholar and Times music critic Stanley Sadie CBE and his musicologist wife Julie Anne.

Elspeth, of Rickford, is an advance level cellist, above Grade 8 – in which she got a distinction. She started playing at the age of eight.

"I am so excited, I couldn't believe that something like this would happen to me," she said.

"I have admired Steven Isserlis' playing for a long time and have a lot of his CDs.

"I heard the news that I had been selected on my birthday and went around smiling for the rest of the day."

Mr Isserlis has played with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and conductors.

His recording of the Bach cello suites won Gramophone and Classical Brit Awards and he was made a CBE in 1998 for services to music.

Dr Barry Wratten, Churchill Community School head teacher, said: "Staff and students at Churchill are very proud of Elspeth and delighted that her exceptional cello playing has been recognised.

"She is a credit to the school and in particular our music department and is a wonderful role model for younger musicians."

The master class is at Millfield School, Street, Somerset, on February 22 at 3pm. Entry is free. Also taking part are Christopher Hedges, 12, from Queen's School, Taunton, and Laura Hammonds, 17, of Millfield.