TALENTED young conductor Jack Lovell will be making his debut with the Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra at their Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 6 at Coleford Baptist Church.

The 23-year-old, who gained his Master's Degree in conducting from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama this summer, has chosen a French-themed concert which he hopes will appeal to all age groups.

With the young in mind, he will be conducting Ravel's popular Mother Goose Suite – along with the Suite from Nais by 17th century composer Jean-Philippe Rameau, which Jack has edited himself.

The second half of the programme will provide a contrast with Bizet's Symphony No 1 in C Major - hailed as a youthful masterpiece and composed when he was just 17.

Led by accomplished Forest of Dean violinist Ros Taunton, the orchestra has been entertaining local audiences for the past 21 years. 

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available on the door.

Afterwards a retiring collection will be held in aid of The Warrior Programme which helps soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress. Former Army Medic Sean Gane, from Steam Mills, Cinderford, will be speaking during the interval about how the charity helped him cope with his experiences in Afghanistan.

Anybody interested in joining the orchestra can contact the chairman Liz Pritchard on [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01594 510604.