DVORAK'S remarkable Cello Concerto is the centrepiece of the next Westmorland Orchestra concert with a prizewinning young player centre stage.

Australian cellist Jack Bailey joins the highly thought of orchestra for the Kendal Leisure Centre Westmorland Hall performance on Saturday, March 10 (7.30pm).

Currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music with Hannah Roberts, under Jack's award-winning belt are the prestigious Barbirolli Cello Prize and the Amy Lindley Prize for Cello. He also landed the prize for the Most Outstanding Recital of 2013 at the Australian National Academy of Music.

Last year, Jack undertook a national recital tour in Australia performing at venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre. He was also a featured young artist at the Adelaide International Cello Festival performing a solo recital and Bach’s Sixth Suite in the Bach Suites Gala Concert.

Saturday's concert programme also features Mozart's energetic Overture to The Magic Flute and the consistently popular Enigma Variations by English composer Edward Elgar.

Acclaimed Westmorland Orchestra conductor Richard Howarth said that the concert programme may seem a curious mix of musical styles but it really works. "The very talented young cellist Jack Bailey will play one of the most popular concertos for the instrument," explained Richard. "The orchestra is in fine fettle and enjoying rehearsals. And what a joy to play Mozart."

Richard brings a wealth of experience and energy to orchestral conducting. He has conducted Manchester Camerata, the Ulster Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the London, Scottish and Manchester Concert Orchestras and, from the violin, has directed Manchester Camerata and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

With a distinguished career as a violinist, which began professionally in 1972 with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Peak District-based musician is best known for his high profile seat on the front desk of the Manchester Camerata, leading the illustrious orchestra for more than 20 years.

Richard’s musical pedigree is at the top end of the scale with a curriculum vitae that reads like a shopping list of the nation’s top ensembles.

He has led and directed orchestras for more than three decades and these days very much in demand as a conductor, hence his arrival on the WO podium for the 2010/2011 season, taking over from the eminent Barry Sharkey, who retired in 2009 after being the Westmorland's conductor for 35 years.

Pam Redman, who left her job as a GP to pursue a career in music, leads the orchestra and is very proud of the popular ensemble. Added Pam. "Not only does it offer musicians the opportunity to enjoy playing wonderful music to a very high standard but we are able to perform for audiences who pay a small ticket fee to cover costs - and even better, tickets are free to those 18 and under."

The 'wonderful' Westmorland is in its 73rd season and is made up of dedicated and talented amateur players and professional musicians from across Cumbria and Lancashire. However, the orchestra is always looking for new musicians to swell its ranks.

Tickets are available from Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre box office on 01539-725133 and at the door on the night.

For further information visit www.westmorlandorchestra.org.uk.

The Westmorland Orchestra's next concert is on Saturday, May 19, with guest conductor Bob Chasey on the podium and violinist Sophie Rosa as soloist.