Talented players show their pluck

EVEN if it wasn't celebrating 40 magical years, the Stoke-on-Trent Festival would have a lot to shout about.

Over the last four decades some of the country's best-loved orchestras and the world's most sought-after conductors and soloists have headed to the Potteries to stage a host of unforgettable performances and tonight is no exception.

Featuring aspiring German pianist Martin Helmchen, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is offering a programme of Mozart and Dvorak in the hope of making this birthday one to remember.

"We are pleased to perform because it's a wonderful series," says orchestral leader Laurence Jackson, who started playing the violin at the age of six.

Opening with Mozart's Symphony No.33, the concert will also include his Piano Concerto No. 24 and Dvorak's Symphony No.8. Three perfect pieces for the first-time concertgoer.

Laurence says: "This concert programme has so many different styles in it and none of the pieces are particularly dramatic or overstay their welcome, so if someone is coming for the first time they have the perfect chance to hear some great classical music in a wonderful venue."

Short and lively, Mozart's symphony is an ideal opening choice, making way for his powerful concerto and Dvorak's impressive symphony that follow.

"Both of the Mozart pieces offer a real contrast in terms of musical style," says Laurence, who studied at Chetham's School of Music and the Royal Academy before joining the CBSO in October 2006.

"We've not performed with Martin yet, but it's something we are looking forward to and Dvorak's symphony is such a funny piece, full of brilliant melodies. I defy anyone not to like it."

Following their appearance in November last year, the CBSO is pleased to be returning to Stoke-on-Trent and bringing with it Andris Nelsons, who was appointed musical director in 2008.

Laurence says: "Andris is making this a really thrilling time for us because he is such a dynamic conductor."

Mike Lloyd joined the Festival's board of directors in 1974 and has seen it develop into a fantastic orchestral series.

He says: "Tonight and this whole season is very exciting, and I mean that. This is actually my 35th season and I don't think anyone could have foreseen that we would be in this position.

"We are probably the largest independent promoter of orchestral concerts and piano recitals in the country, and even in these economic times we are still growing. We started doing season tickets in 1978 and we still have quite a few punters who have been with us since the beginning. It's going to be hard act to follow next season but we're working on it."

The CBSO and Martin Helmchen can be seen at the Victoria Hall, Hanley, tonight at 8pm. Call 01782 206000 for tickets.