THE Haffner Orchestra has a new conductor a woman and Venezualan.

One player has called rehearsals with Natalia Luis-Bassa (pictured) electric', while another says her commitment to music is complete, though she is good humoured and funny.

And the Lancaster audience will be able to judge for itself soon, for the 37-year-old is looking forward to conducting the Haffner for the first time on Sunday, November 14, in the city's Ashton Hall.

The concert will include Dvorak's Czech Suite, Ballet Music from Schubert's Rosamunde, Beethoven's Symphony Number One and Benjamin Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings.

Solosits will be Nicholas Hurndall Smith (tenor), and Martin Lawrence (French Horn).

More details and tickets are from 01524-770503 or 32878 (credit card sales) or call in at Lancaster Tourist Information Centre, Castle Hill.