CELEBRATE the start of 2020 with the New Year Johann Strauss Gala, taking place at Weymouth Pavilion on Saturday, January 11.

Presented by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), the concert will feature an uplifting selection of waltzes, marches, polkas and arias, all by the King of Waltz and his contemporaries.

Under the baton of Marta Gardolinska, the full symphonic forces of the BSO will be joined by soprano Soraya Mafi for an afternoon of glamour and sparkle. Works performed will include the Fledermaus Overture, waltzes from Der Rosenkavalier, Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Emperor Waltz and, of course, The Blue Danube.

Marta Gardolinska is the current young conductor in association, having assumed the role in September 2018 after a rigorous audition process. Originally from Poland, Marta has led ensembles across the world, building a solid knowledge of the Viennese tradition thanks to her work with the Johann-Strauss-Operette-Wien company.

Soraya Mafi studied at the Royal College of Music's International Opera School and has since performed with the Seattle Opera, Opéra national du Rhin and Opéra National de Lorraine, among others. Her recent concert performances have included Bach's B minor Mass and Weihnachts Oratorium with The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Mozart’s Goose of Cairo with the London Mozart Players.

Based in the south west of England but with an international reputation, the BSO works to enhance lives through the power of music, performing more than 140 concerts each year and delivering events at more than 200 locations across the country.

The orchestra's BSO Participate programme leads activities and workshops in the south west, engaging with music lovers young and old. Projects include holding concerts in schools and care homes, offering work experience to young people and developing an orchestra for recovering drug addicts.

The New Year Johann Strauss Gala will also be performed at Lighthouse, Poole's centre for the arts, on Wednesday, January 1, at 3pm.

The performance at Weymouth Pavilion begins at 7.30pm. Tickets prices vary from £14 to £27. To make a purchase, visit the pavilion website or contact the box office.

For further information and upcoming events by the BSO, head to www.bsolive.com.