JUSTIN Pearson makes a welcome return to Appleby on February 22, as cellist with the highly acclaimed Locrian Ensemble.

Besides being principal cellist with the National Symphony Orchestra and guest principal of the Royal Philharmonic and English Sinfonia Orchestras, Justin appears in just about every area of music. He has played at three Royal Variety Shows, and is currently playing in Lloyd Webber's Bombay Dreams, in London.

He has performed, often as solo cellist, with artists as diverse as Jose Carreras, Pavarotti, James Galway, Westlife, Madonna, Oasis, U2, the Spice Girls, Shirley Bassey and Tina Turner. Justin has also recorded music for films such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, Chicken Run, The Mummy II, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, and for many television programmes.

Bringing together some of the most prominent string players, the Locrian Ensemble, has recorded many CDs, and is heard regularly on Classic FM and BBC Radio 3.

The Locrians are enthusiastic and popular visitors to Cunbria, supporting Annie Mawson's Sunbeam Music Trust and with Justin appearing regularly with the internationally acclaimed Oxford Concert Party.

The programme for the North Westmorland Arts concert in Appleby Public Hall at 7.30 pm., consists of the String Trio Opus 9, No 3, by Beethoven, Mozart's Divertimento in E major KV563 and an Intermezzo by Kodaly.

Admission is £7 at the door with further details available from Ann Coles on 017683-53063.