ORCHESTRA North East is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a concert in Durham Cathedral.

The orchestra will appear under the baton of Timothy Henty, at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 8.

The ensemble had strong links with Durham University and its Choral Society for 15 years, before it began a new self-sustaining phase as a charity in 1986.

In the last three decades it has given more than 120 concerts, performing the works of over 80 composers, with 33 conductors and has been joined by 48 soloists.

Orchestra North East spokesman Peter Chester said: “We believe over 25,000 people will have attended our concerts, something of which we are rather proud.

“We are also pleased to have spread our wings to perform in other venues over the years, particularly to have played it the Sage Gateshead and to give regular concerts in the Gala Theatre Durham.

“To mark the anniversary we are very pleased to announce that the concert opens with a world premiere performance of The Land of the Prince Bishops, by North-East composer Robert Smedley.

"Filmic in quality, this symphonic piece comes from his suite Dunelmia and is inspired by his love of County Durham.

"The music seeks to depict elements and scenes from the region and its history, leading the audience to both visualize and identify with our part of the world."

The distinguished soloist for the evening, cellist Alexander Baillie, who has given numerous memorable performances with the orchestra over the years, is returning once more to perform Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

The symphony for the evening is Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony, known as “The Romantic”.

Tickets for the concert are available from: The Box Office in the Gala Theatre Durham 03000 266600 or www.galadurham.co.uk or via one@orchestranortheast.org

Adult tickets are £16, with £14 concessions, £8 students and under-16s free. For more information visit www.orchestranortheast.org.uk.