I AM TOLD that Andreas Boyde is one of the most sought-after German pianists of his generation.

A brilliant young player now living in London whose apparent virtuosity is stunning.

Andreas takes to Kendal Leisure Centre's Westmorland Hall stage on Saturday, September 28 (7.30pm) as soloist with the Lakeland Sinfonia, on the opening night of the 2002/03 sinfonia concert society series.

Seven concerts form this year's subscription series, with two additional concerts including the always very special Christmas Charity Concert on December 14 (7:30pm).

Under the baton of well-known conductor Simon Wright, Andreas is joined by Irish musician Mark O'Keefe, on trumpet, for Shostakovich's tuneful concerto for piano, trumpet and strings.

Mark is principal trumpet of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and a former Royal Northern College of Music student.

Second in the series is the Northen Sinfonia on October 12, featuring the ensemble's new musical director, conductor and violinist Thomas Zehetmair.

He regularly plays concertos with a galaxy of leading orchestras such as the Boston Symphony and Berlin and Vienna philharmonics.

And prior to the sinfonia performance will give a talk (6:30pm).

On November 9, the Royal Scottish Academy Symphony Orchestra should light up the Westmorland Hall, with cellist Sonia Cromarty in a programme of works by Adams, Krongold and Mahler.

And then on to one of my personal favourites, a major highlight of the musical calendar - the Jack Symons Christmas Charity Concert on Saturday, December 14 (7:30pm).

It is a perfect way to start the festive season, with the excellent Lakeland Sinfonia and guest leader Tony Drummond; Ian Jones and the golden voices of Levens Choir, all under the charismatic conductor Wyn Davies.

Soprano Helen Williams completes the happy throng, performing in aid of St John's Hospice (Lancaster) and St John Ambulance (Kendal).

Included in the uplifting programme are Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet suite; Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba; Mozart's aria the Magic Flute; Lehar's Gold and Silver waltz; an orchestral selection from Loewe's My Fair Lady and carols to warm the cockles of your heart.

Into 2003 and midway between the final five concerts on February 23, is the wonderful BBC Philharmonic, an orchestra, which in my experience always provides a night to remember.

It promises to be another stunner as multi-talented Wayne Marshall conducts and plays piano in a varied programme of 20th Century American music - including the marvellous melodies of Bernstein and Gershwin, plus Rodgers and Sousa.

All the tunes should see both Wayne and the BBC players at their dazzling best.

Tickets for the Christmas and BBC performances are available on 01539-722533, as well as any information on the subscription concerts.