PETERSFIELD Area Schools’ String Orchestra (PASSO), under their new leader Andrew Lewis, will give their first concert of the season on Saturday (December 17) at 7.30pm.

This Christmas Concert, featuring carols for everyone to sing and seasonal refreshments to enjoy, will be at St Peter’s Church.

This year the acclaimed orchestra represents 13 schools from the Petersfield and Meon Valley area, and the concert will be an opportunity to hear them in ensemble as well as in solo performance.

On the programme is music by Haydn, Vivaldi, Telemann and Bach, and the chamber strings group will premiere an arrangement of I am The Doctor.

PASSO forms a part of Hampshire Music Service and is funded by Hampshire County Council.

There is a grade 2 entry level, but many of the players remain members for a number of years, advancing the overall standard of this youth orchestra.

String players of all ages are encouraged to apply and enjoy the experience of playing in a strings only ensemble.

PASSO was created in 1979 by Alison Little, a local violin teacher who was inspired to form an ensemble.

Admission to the concert is free and all are welcome to attend.

For more information visit www.passo.hmsensembles.org.uk. Also call orchestral director Peter Thompson on 01730 267341.