Young and old alike were inspired when Cuban violinist Omar Puente visited Hitchin Violin School at the weekend.

The Comet: Cuban violinist Omar Puente delivers his masterclass to Hitchin Violin School at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary DurhamCuban violinist Omar Puente delivers his masterclass to Hitchin Violin School at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary Durham (Image: cSv)

Omar gave a violin masterclass for instrumentalists of all abilities on Saturday at Westmill Community Centre, with pupils as young as three years old.

Omar now lives in the UK, and Hitchin Violin School’s Caroline Owen was his first student in this country. She said bringing him to her hometown was her way of giving something back.

She told the Comet: “It is so important for the next generation of musicians to have an experience like this, a memory of a lifetime, in a time where talent is portrayed in the mainstream media as a quick fix to stardom.

The Comet: Young members of Hitchin Violin School during Omar Puente's visit. Picture: Gary DurhamYoung members of Hitchin Violin School during Omar Puente's visit. Picture: Gary Durham (Image: cSv)

“Young people observed how investing time in your skills now can have profound results.”

Omar, who had performed at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho the night before, happily signed copies of his latest album Best Foot Forward for the young musicians.

The visit made a keen impression on the youngsters. Gary Powell said his eight-year-old daughter Matilda had insisted it was the best day of her life.

The Comet: Cuban violinist Omar Puente with Caroline Owen, far right, and members of Hitchin Violin School at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary DurhamCuban violinist Omar Puente with Caroline Owen, far right, and members of Hitchin Violin School at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary Durham (Image: cSv)

He said: “I was watching her closely during the time there and she hardly took her eyes off him.

“It was amazing – what a fantastic guy Omar is. Genuine, warm and truly inspirational. An unforgettable day.”

To find out more about Hitchin Violin School or to get involved in future projects, get in touch with Caroline at carolineviolinist.com.

The Comet: Cuban violinist Omar Puente with three-yerar-old Omar Shaaban, son of Hitchin Violin School's Caroline Owen, at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary DurhamCuban violinist Omar Puente with three-yerar-old Omar Shaaban, son of Hitchin Violin School's Caroline Owen, at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary Durham (Image: cSv)

The Comet: Cuban violinist Omar Puente with five-year-old Dija at Hitchin Violin School. Picture: Gary DurhamCuban violinist Omar Puente with five-year-old Dija at Hitchin Violin School. Picture: Gary Durham (Image: cSv)