The Somerset Youth Orchestra returns to Cedars Hall to present an ambitious and attractive programme of Russian and French music.

The concert includes Mussorgsky’s Night on a bare mountain, a dramatic and atmospheric work that gives the ensemble a chance to showcase vivid orchestral colour and intensity.

It is perfectly complemented by the elegant Flute Concertino in D major, by Chaminade, where the orchestra will be joined by the flautist Susan Torke. This piece is always popular with young flautists so it’s an excellent chance to hear it played by one of the country’s top soloists, accompanied by Somerset’s finest young musicians.

The concert’s main item will be Shostakovich’s monumental Symphony No. 5 in D minor, a powerful and deeply moving masterpiece that demands both concentration and precision.

In this popular symphony the composer manages to satisfy the demands of the soviet regime for uplifting music whilst, at the same time hinting at his dissatisfaction with the plight of creative artists in the Communist Soviet Union. It’s quite an experience!