SETTLE Orchestra continues its tradition of encouraging talented young musicians in its upcoming summer concerts, which will feature French horn soloist Sophie Bell playing Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1.

Sophie is studying at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, and has played with the National Youth Orchestra and the RNCM symphony orchestra. She has been principal horn of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for two years.

On the forthcoming concert, Sophie said: “Opportunities to perform with a great orchestra behind you are slim and I am honoured to be playing Strauss’ concerto alongside Settle Orchestra.”

The programme will also include Weber’s Der Freischutz overture, and Schubert’s majestic 9th Symphony, The Great. Also known as The Great C Major, this is the last of Schubert’s symphonies and pays homage to that other great 9th symphony by Beethoven.

The grandeur of this work is a fitting end to the tenure of the conductor, RNCM student Alexander Webb, who takes the baton for the final time after a successful year working with the orchestra. The players have enjoyed working with him, and look forward to welcoming next season’s student in September.

The concerts are on Saturday, June 23, at Settle Parish Church and Saturday, June 30, at Christ Church, Skipton. Both start at 7.30pm and £12 tickets will soon be available from Capella, Settle, Bentham Post Office and on the door.