The National Children’s Orchestras will be returning to the stage this weekend to showcase the best young musical talent the UK has to offer. Vivienne Price MBC founded the organisation in 1978 with the sole aim of offering talented children a world-class foundation for orchestral performance and musicianship, working alongside world-class professional musicians.

The NCO’s Main Orchestra will be making a welcome return to Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, on Saturday 12^th April for their first appearance of 2014. Under the baton of guest conductor Howard Williams their exciting programme will include The Perfect Fool by Holst, Isabella by Bridge, Tales from Vienna Woods by J.Strauss, and La Mer by Debussy. Their fresh approach to this renowned concert repertoire promises to deliver a night of technically brilliant and youthfully exuberant music. With a start time of 7pm the tickets range from £5 for under 5’s to £19.50, including concessions.

Then, on Sunday, Anvil Arts in Basingstoke are delighted to welcome the NCO’s Under 13s Orchestra, who will present a stunning programme of classical favourites. Their conductor, NCO  Principal Director of Music Roger Clarkson will be leading them in Wagner’s Overture to the Flying Dutchman, The Banks of Green Willow by Butterworth, The Pirates of the Caribbean by Badelt, Buckaroo Holiday by Copland, Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas, and the iconic Nutcracker Suite by one of Russia’s most loved composers Tchaikovsky. Individual ticket prices vary from £6 for under 16’s to £19, and family tickets (2 adults, 3 children) are offered at the discounted price of £39 for the £16 price bracket, and £44 for the £19 price bracket; all including a £1 booking fee. To book tickets please call 01256 844244.