From Mozart to Michael Jackson – the Manx Youth Orchestra’s traditional Christmas Festival Concert has something for everyone. The concert, a high point in the cultural calendar, takes place at the Gaiety Theatre on Saturday 10th December at 7.30pm. The occasion will feature the orchestra as a whole, as well as the Manx Youth Wind Orchestra, the Manx Youth String Orchestra and the Manx Youth Swing Band. The programme also includes music by Corelli and Shostakovich and from the musical Miss Saigon. To mark the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, the theme from Band of Brothers will also be performed. There will be festive carols to join in with. Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service, who is one of the conductors for the evening, said: ‘The orchestra has gone from strength to strength this year. Our tour to the Netherlands in July allowed us to really grow as a group and the standard of playing is exceptionally good. We’re really looking forward to playing in the beautiful Gaiety Theatre. I’m sure the surroundings will add a special dimension to the festive feel of the occasion.’ Tickets are ?10 and are available from the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre ticket hotline on 01624 600555 and the Manx Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal from November 28th. The annual concert, which is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Manx Youth Orchestra, has raised thousands of pounds for local charities over the years. This year the beneficiaries will be the Manx Workshop for the Disabled and the Friends themselves, Maggie explained. The Friends are a team of parents of MYO members past and present plus ex members and other supporters. They work throughout the year to raise funds, which are used to underwrite concerts, help fund tours and help purchase instruments. Earlier on the 10th, the Manx Junior String Orchestra, the Manx Junior Wind Band and the Manx Training Orchestra will perform their own concert at the MYO’s rehearsal venue, St Ninian’s High School. Seasonal favourites are on the menu as well as film themes and music by Coldplay and Snow Patrol. The concert starts at 11.30am and admission is free but a retiring collection will be taken for the Friends of the MYO. Maggie said: ‘The junior sections of the orchestra are increasing in size and cater for young musicians who have reached grade 1 standard or above on an orchestral instrument. The conductors are Melvyn Booth, the Music Service’s Head of Strings, and brass teacher Paul Hamilton. All are welcome.’ Ends