West Dorset musicians are invited to perform with the Bournemouth Sym-phony Orchestra as part of its Rusty Musicians project.

The BSO is to hold a series of music making days with one at the Sir John Colfox School in June.

The project, called Rusty and Not so Rusty Musicians, will offer professional coaching.

Over a period of six days in April and June, players will be taught a full concert programme of music and they will join the orchestra in the performance on June 22 at the Lighthouse in Poole.

The programme of songs the orchestra will perform includes Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Rachmaninov’s The Isle of the Dead, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 and Verdi’s The Force of Destiny Overture.

Linda Higson, project manager at BSO, said: “Over the years I have witnessed many grow in confidence and enjoy their playing more and more. It doesn’t matter if they don’t play all the notes it’s the thrill of playing alongside a professional orchestra.

“I feel privileged to be given this opportunity to manage this truly amazing project, such lovely people from dinner ladies to professional people. I admire their talents and eagerness for learning and participating.”

One of the aims of the project is to bring together both young and old musicians from a variety of different backgrounds who have a passion for classical music. A number of former musicians who started at BSO have progressed to become professional musicians, with the group’s youngest ever member, who was nine when he first joined, now working towards his professional qualification.

The next event that will take place in Bridport will be a rehearsal day on June 8 at the Sir John Colfox School, and will cost £45 for adults and £20 for under 18s, with many more happening throughout Dorset in the coming months.

For details contact on the initiative or the BSO.

Contact Linda Higson on 01202 644707, email lhigson@ bsoorchestra.co.uk or visit bsolive.com