THE Hallé Orchestra played to near capacity audiences at the Villa Marina, Douglas, at the weekend.

The Isle of Man Arts Council was very proud to present Britain's longest-established permanent, professional symphony orchestra and audiences enjoyed a thrilling programme for both concerts.

On Saturday the orchestra was conducted by Sir Mark Elder and performed Bax's Tintagel, Sibelius Symphony No 1 as well as Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with a stunning performance from acclaimed violin soloist Jennifer Pike.

Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood and Community Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK were both in the audience and Young Musician of Mann finalist, Peter Mitchell, made the presentation of a floral bouquet to Jennifer Pike.

A matinée concert on Sunday was conducted by Andrew Gourlay comprising Bizet's Carmen: Suite No 1, Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals (with Narrator Sir Mark Elder), Ravel's Mother Goose Suite and Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet excerpts.

Children from Peel Clothworkers School had produced artwork that was projected into the Royal Hall during Carnival of the Animals and was on display in the Villa Marina foyer all weekend.

At full strength the Hallé had 87 musicians on stage.

One of those musicians was Jason Evans, a 19-year-old trumpet player from the Isle of Man.

Jason, who is currently studying at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, had been included in the orchestra not only for the Isle of Man performances but also the Hallé's concert as part of the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall immediately prior to the Isle of Man dates.

In the past he has received funding from the Arts Council to attend the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "It has been terrific to have such a prestigious orchestra at the Villa Marina.

"I really enjoyed Saturday's concert. It is thanks to the Arts Council that we can provide variety in our programming to enable top quality opportunities such as this for the Manx public."

Chairman of the Arts Council Quintin Gill MHK said: "We have had a really fantastic weekend filled with wonderful music at the Villa Marina.

"The ticket sales have been the best we've had for an orchestra in recent years and feedback from the near capacity audiences has been extremely positive.

"The Arts Council is very pleased to have been able to provide the opportunity for Manx audiences to enjoy the Hallé at their best."