We're joined by past Young Musician of the Year Section Winner Naomi Atherton to play Mozart’s instantly recognisable 4th horn concerto. But not only that, you've a once in a lifetime chance to hear Glazunov’s beautiful Idyll for Horn and Strings, and a rare chance to hear all of De Falla’s ‘El Amor Brujo’ ballet music. This wonderful concert closes with Mendelssohn’s tune-filled and atmospheric Scottish Symphony.

The orchestra was really fired up by our new resident conductor Laurence Perkins. Laurence joins us following his extremely successful debut in last year’s Masterworks Concert.

At the heart of our programme is Mozart’s world famous 4th Horn Concerto with soloist Naomi Atherton -- Principal Horn of both the Northern ChamberOrchestra and the Manchester Camerata, as well as a member of Ensemble 360. In addition to her Young Musician success, her solo career has included appearances with the BBC Philharmonic and Ulster Orchestras and the Manchester Camerata and as a chamber musician, she has appeared at the Edinburgh, Bath, Cheltenham and Aldeburgh festivals and at the BBC Proms.

She will also charm us with Glazunov’s Idyll for Horn and strings. Originally composed for Horn and Piano in 1926 in the rather unusual key of F# Major this beautiful lyrical piece is rarely performed so don’t miss this once in a lifetime chance to hear it.

We start with De Falla’s ballet ‘El Amor Brujo’. It's brim full of the passion and energy of Andalusian Spain so bring your castanets.

We conclude in a very different country and style, with Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony which was initially inspired by the ruins of Holyrood chapel and his subsequent visit to the western isles and indeed the whole piece evokes the wild Romantic landscapes of the north.

On a different note, we're delighted that Mike Jackson from the viola section was awarded an MBE in the new years honours list. Mike has been a tireless supporter of the orchestra since joining it in 1957. He was joking with me last night about his next milestone -- he's looking forward to playing in his 90th year!!