More than 200 talented young musicians will perform at Manx Youth Orchestra’s Christmas festival concert.

The event on Saturday 9th December at the Villa Marina will feature a wide range of festive music, with styles to suit all tastes.

The concert is a showcase for young players and groups supported by the Isle of Man Music Service. It offers a chance for budding musicians to step beyond their instrumental lessons, learn new repertoire and play to a large audience on stage in the Island’s premier concert venue.

Groups include Junior Strings, Junior Wind Band, the Wind and String Orchestras, Concert Band, Guitar Ensemble, Manx Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Training and Senior Manx Youth Orchestras.

This year’s programme features three dances from Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Nutcracker Ballet and a special arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

Other highlights include a musical version of the poem Twas the Night Before Christmas and a jazz setting of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - all under the batons of the Manx Youth Orchestra’s teaching team. Maggie Richardson, Head of the Music Service, conducts the Senior Manx Youth Orchestra and they will also lead the audience in some favourite carols. 
 
Maggie said: “With such a wealth of musical talent, this year’s concert will truly be an extravaganza!  Manx Youth Orchestra’s Christmas concert has become the traditional start of many people’s festive celebrations and our young players look forward to taking part every year.

It is a joyous occasion and an invaluable opportunity for young players of all levels to perform in public. The experience has inspired many young musicians to go on to reach their potential.’

Tickets for the concert are ?10, or ?5 for under-16s, and are available from the Welcome Centre, the Villa Gaiety box office and online at www.villagaiety.com.

Proceeds from this year’s concerts will benefit the Parkinson’s Disease Society Isle of Man and Friends of Manx Youth Orchestra.