A VIRTUAL orchestra made up of more than 900 musicians led by acclaimed saxophonist Jess Gillam has made its online debut.

The Jess Gillam Virtual Scratch Orchestra performed the David Bowie classic Where Are We Now? all from the comfort of their own homes.

The orchestra is made up of 930 musicians from more than 26 countries, aged between six and 81, who recorded their parts in their homes around the world during isolation

The classic BRIT award-winning saxophonist, from Ulverston, led the online orchestra, inviting musicians of any standard to come together and play music virtually with her before putting it together in a video.

She said: “For me, music is all about people.

“People uniting, people sharing and people listening.

“At a very difficult time, when it is not currently possible to be physically together to share and make music, hopefully this is a way in which we can create something together from afar.

“Where Are We Now? is one of my favourite songs by David Bowie. It’s hauntingly beautiful and seems very appropriate as we all reflect on the world and what is happening around us.

“This is the first song he released after a long period of silence in 2013.”

The virtual orchestra was met with widespread acclaim, garnering thousands of views since launching on Wednesday night.

Miss Gillam said it felt ‘very special’ knowing people could still come together through the power of music.

She said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved - the members of the orchestra, the technical team and all of the audience for their warm messages of support.

“In this period of isolation, it has felt very special to know that, through the power of the internet, we are still able to come together and make music.

“It was also extremely lovely to read your kind messages of thanks and warmth.”