The Manx Youth Orchestra’s traditional Christmas Festival Concert will be held a week earlier than usual but the same festive spirit is promised by the young musicians.
 
The concert, a high point in the cultural calendar, takes place at the Villa Marina on Saturday 6th December at 7.30pm, in the presence of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Adam Wood.
 
Featuring more than 200 young performers, this year’s programme will include lots of variety to celebrate the season, from Delius’ Sleigh Ride to Let it Snow and Pharrell Williams’ hit Happy.
 
There will be traditional carols and other familiar melodies for the audience to enjoy.
 
Add to the mixture more traditional orchestral classics such as Hungarian Dance no 5 by Brahms, and a specially composed piece to celebrate Island of Culture 2014 and it promises to be a sparkling occasion, said Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service with the Department of Education and Children (DEC).
 
The new piece has been commissioned by Culture Vannin and written by David Kilgallon, a former orchestra member.
 
Based on Manx folk themes, Yn Thalhear or The Tailor, is a lively piece composed especially with the abilities and strengths of the Manx Youth Orchestra in mind.
 
The evening will feature all nine groups that meet on Saturday mornings as part of the DEC Music Service activities.
 
Maggie, who is one of 10 conductors for the evening, said: ‘Our Saturday morning activities are aimed at encouraging young players to achieve their best and being able to perform in the beautiful Royal Hall is a super reward for all their hard work during the autumn term. Every member has the opportunity to play and be heard and it is a special experience which stays with them for life.
 
‘This event is the highlight of the youth orchestra’s calendar. Our programme is varied and upbeat and will herald the festive season in style.’
 
Tickets are ?9.69, ?8.67 and ?7.65 (including 2% booking fee) and are available from the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre ticket hotline on 01624 600555, the Manx Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and via www.villagaiety.com.
 
The concert, which is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Manx Youth Orchestra (FMYO), has raised thousands of pounds for local charities over the years. This year, though, all money raised will be used to subsidise the senior orchestra’s forthcoming tour.
 
Maggie said: ‘The orchestra will visit Belgium in July and one of the highlights of our time there will be performing at the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres.
 
‘We have also researched the locations of Manx war graves and will be visiting Tyne Cott cemetery to lay a wreath and to pay our respects during our trip. It will be an honour to perform the Belgian National Anthem, Manx National Anthem, Royal Anthem and Ellan Vannin during the Last Post ceremony. Other concerts are planned in Bruges and Ypres.
 
‘We need to take a full complement of players to do our performances justice and the FMYO support ensures that everyone can take part by supporting the tour financially.’