FOR a summer concert in Kendal Parish Church, the Westmorland Youth Orchestra chose to present a programme of popular orchestral works.

Before the orchestra opened the programme, the audience was given a welcome by young musicians from Dean Gibson School under the direction of their music teacher, Anne Pater.

Outstanding in his contribution was the competent and stylish playing of Peter Jones, a young trumpet player with a great deal of promise.

The orchestra responded well to the firm direction of its conductor, Noel Bertram, in the opening Canzon by Giovanni Gabrieli for three instrumental groups.

Widely spread around the church, the three groups created a thrilling sound.

The first half of the programme concluded with a spirited performance of Bizet's second L'Arlesienne Suite.

Schubert's Unfinished Symphony concluded the evening.

There were some moment of insecurity, but these were more than compensated for by some delightful woodwind solos and some sensitive playing from the upper strings.