LANCASTER'S Haffner Orchestra has begun rehearsals for its second concert under brilliant new conductor Natalia Luis-Bassa.

The Venezuelan made waves at her first concert with the orchestra last autumn, prompting members of the audience to write to commend her "The Haffner were always good, but with new conductor Natalia, they were superb.

"I'm not sure how she did it, but she injected something wonderful into the music," wrote one admirer.

And another said: "It was lovely to see everyone so animated and obviously on a real high."

The next concert will be at Lancaster's Ashton Hall on Saturday, February 19, and will also feature Anna Markland, a top class pianist who won the BBC Young Musician of the Year award at the age of 18 back in 1982.

She will play the Ravel concerto with the Haffner. More details and tickets are from the box office on 01524-770503 or 01524-32878.