A SPECIAL concert is to be performed by Dorset Chamber Orchestra as a tribute to the late composer Sir John Tavener.

It will feature John’s daughter Sofia on the violin.

It will be at St Mary’s Church in Edward Road, Dorchester on Saturday, November 29 from 7.30pm.

This is the second concert in the chamber orchestra’s current season and is called A Concert for John.

Sir John died last year aged 69 at his home in Child Okeford, Dorset.

Millions heard his Song for Athene which closed the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales televised from Westminster Abbey and thousands have sung his setting of Blake’s poem The Lamb.

The orchestra will perform the miniature Song of the Angel with the soprano Sophie Gallagher and Sofia, the violinist daughter of Sir John. Sofia will then play a piece specially written and dedicated to her by her father, called The Smile of the Buddha.

The concert begins and ends with works by Stravinsky and Mozart, two composers whom Sir John held in the highest esteem.

Stravinsky’s Pulcinella is followed by Mozart’s concert aria Exultate Jubilate and after the two Tavener pieces, comes the much loved Symphony No 39 by Mozart.

Advance tickets are available from Harmony Music, 3-4 The Forum Centre, Trinity Street, Dorchester DT1 1TT. Call 01305 260360.

Tickets are £12 in advance and £13 at the door. Admission is free for all under 18s.