NATALIA Luis-Bassa, the dynamic Venezuelan who completed her first year with the Haffner Orchestra in June, has proved extremely popular with fans of the Lancaster ensemble.

Cellist and Haffner publicity officer Helen Beare says that an audience survey conducted for the anniversary has heaped praise on both the orchestra and Natalia.

"Many people said how fortunate they were to be able to hear such a high standard of music without having to travel to Manchester or Liverpool.

"And members of the orchestra say how really inspirational Natalia is."

On November 19, just a year on from her debut on the city's Ashton Hall stage, Natalia conducts the Haffner in the opening concert of its new season.

Soloist will be vibrant Cuban cellist Ana Ruth Bermudez in a programme of works featuring Mozart's overture, Don Giovanni; Saint-Sans' Cello concerto No.1; Rococo Variations by Tchai-kovsky; and Beethoven's Symphony no. 4.

Natalia has been described by Sir Colin Davis as a passionate musician' and was chosen from 36 applicants for the Haffner post previously held by Roger Cann.

She was the first person in Venezuela to receive a degree in conducting and went on to postgraduate studies in conducting at London's Royal College of Music.

In 2002, at New York's Carne-gie Hall, she made a major impact as runner-up in the Maazel-Vilar Conductors' Competition, the first worldwide conductors' competition for competitors up to the age of 35.

One of three talented sisters, Natalia comes from Caracas and her musical education began with piano lessons aged six or seven but, growing up in a family with a great love of music, there was always an opera, operetta or symphony in the background.

The second of this season's Haffner concerts on February 18 will feature mezzo-soprano Alexandra Sherman in a programme including de Falla's El Amor Brujo and the final one (June 24) will be a performance featuring violinist Leland Chen.Tickets and further information are available on 01524-770503, from Lancaster Tourist Information Centre or at the door.