A TRUMPET solo is the rare centre-piece as the Westmorland Orchestra returns to action for the new year.

The South Lakes musicians will be performing a programme of music on at Westmorland Hall, in Kendal Leisure Centre, on Saturday March 18.

Starting with Schumann’s spirited Scherzo and Finale overture, the concert highlights an instrument not often heard solo in Hummel’s trumpet concerto, performed by Gideon Brooks.

The concert ends with Beethoven’s innovative Eroica symphony, which shocked audiences at the time with its drama and emotion.

Gideon Brooks is a talented young trumpet player currently doing postgraduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has performed with several professional orchestras across Britain and played for the Queen in 2012.

The Eroica symphony is known for having been originally dedicated to Napoleon - the story goes that Beethoven withdrew the dedication when he heard Napoleon had crowned himself emperor.

Despite this, it still features dramatic, heroic themes, alongside a quieter, funeral march movement. BBC Music Magazine named it the greatest symphony of all time, after surveying conductors across the world.

The concert, which starts at 7.30pm, will be conducted by Richard Howarth and led by Pamela Redman.

Tickets are available from the Brewery Arts Centre, in Kendal, from members or on the door at Kendal Leisure Centre, and are free to under-18s.