In 2004 the orchestra started a new tradition, performing a ‘Music for Youth’ concert in the spring. These are aimed particularly at younger people, with the object of inspiring them to enjoy music.

As for all our concerts, children under 16 are admitted free if accompanied by an adult (each adult can take more than one child!). These very popular events are generally completely booked more than a month in advance of each concert so early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

We are fortunate to have local resident and famous actor Martin Clunes as Patron of the Orchestra; each year Martin joins us as Narrator in our Music for Youth concerts.

Past highlights have included popular favourites such as Peter and the Wolf and Tubby the Tuba but Martin has in more recent years acted as storyteller for an on–going series of world premieres. Music by Liz Sharma and words by Richard Baker have provided entertainments such as Pass the Baton, Dave the Musical Caveman and most recently Buzzard or Kestrel?

These one hour concerts have provided a further platform for very young school aged musicians to perform a solo with the orchestra. The programme for 2011 had three outstanding soloists, one as young as 8 years old and in 2012 we featured a talented young trumpeter. This recent concert also gave a platform to the Cerne Cygnets, a group of beginner string players making their first public performance.

In March 2013 the Music for Youth concert will be entitled ‘Encore!’ and take place at 7.00pm when some of our school aged début soloists return for an evening concert which will also feature a poetry and music collaboration with our distinguished Patron, Martin Clunes.