RIMSKY Korsakov’s sparkling overture to his opera, May Night, is the opening piece in the Westmorland Orchestra's Saturday, March 15 (7.30pm) concert.

The following work in the popular ensemble’s Westmorland Hall concert programme, conducted by Richard Howarth, will be Tchaikovsky’s popular violin concerto, with Shanghai-born violinist, Jiafeng Chen (pictured), in the spotlight.

Jiafeng studied at Chetham’s in Manchester and the Royal College of Music in London, before obtaining a master of music degree from New York’s Juilliard School of Music. He has won top prizes in several major violin competitions and appeared as soloist at the BBC Proms as well as with many national orchestras. Hailed as “not only technically brilliant but also subtle, deeply felt and astonishingly mature,” Jiafeng’s artistry has also supported several humanitarian causes, including the East meets West event organised by the British Red Cross.

This season the Westmorland Orchestra is being led in turn by three guest violinists; highly regarded Ulverston musician Pamela Redman is in the hot seat for Saturday’s performance.

Lakes Leisure Kendal box office 01539-729702.