Christmas would hardly be Christmas without the Philharmonic Society's annual service of music and carols.

Fans will therefore be relieved to hear that although the 36-year-old organisation is currently facing a cash crisis, and Graham Garton has, for the moment at least, stepped down as director, there will be a concert.

Turning their problem into an opportunity to bring about some long-needed changes in the way the Philharmonic is run and perceived in the community, it was decided to dedicate the coming year to fundraising.

The first concert will therefore take place at the Southampton Princess Hotel in a programme of traditional carols and popular classical music.

Speaking for the Philharmonic Society, Nancy Smith said: "As we were unfortunately unable to pay Mr. Garton, we had to seek volunteers to organise this year's event. I'm happy to say that Kerry Haslam, leader of the orchestra, agreed to become the conductor, and Gaynor Gallant, principal oboe player offered to train the choir.'' The MarketPlace, which has been a keen supporter for some years now, agreed to sponsor a Christmas concert, along with Belco, Butterfield and Vallis and the Southampton Princess (the latter donating use of their Amphitheatre). Noting that the Philharmonic has now achieved international charity status, Ms Smith said: "One of our agreed objectives for this was an increased emphasis on the musical education of our young people. To this end, we have about 20 students playing in the orchestra for this concert. There will, in fact, be two concerts, with a matinee and we hope that as many children and young people will attend as possible.'' The highlight of this year's concert is, in itself, an intriguing departure from the Society's traditional carol service. `The Snowman', based on Raymond Briggs' charming holiday story for children was later adapted into an award-winning cartoon for Britain's innovative Channel 4 television. Brilliant young composer Howard Blake (who, in 1990 was commissioned to write a `Piano Concerto' for the late Princess of Wales' 30th birthday) was invited to compose the music which was also acclaimed as "a masterpiece of its kind'' when it was premiered in 1982. The concert version, scored for small orchestra, has remained a firm favourite ever since.

Ruth Thomas will be the narrator in this performance, with Nhoj Trebor Steede singing the boy solo role at the matinee and John McKenna in the evening concert.

Other items on the programme include carols arranged by John Rutter, as well as other traditional favourites. The orchestra will also play music from Tchaikovsky's `The Nutcracker' and `Swan Lake'.

Kerry Haslam, a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music came to Bermuda for the Menuhin Foundation in 1988. Since then she has been the featured soloist in many, major concerts, most memorably, perhaps, when she played `Summer' from Vivaldi's `The Four Seasons' under the the baton of Lord Menuhin in the 20th anniversary performance for the Bermuda Festival.

Gaynor Gallant, an oboe and piano teacher, currently teaches Primary level music at the Bermuda High School for Girls. Since her arrival here in 1990, she has played for most of the Island's major musical events, including Gilbert & Sullivan productions and with the Philharmonic. In 1992, she was their soloist in the Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto. Last year, she was musical director of the BMDS pantomime `Mother Goose' and she also revived that Society's choir as The Daylesford Singers for whom she organised and conducted two concerts. Most recently, Ms Gallant was musical director for the G&S production of `Little Shop of Horrors'.

The Bermuda Philharmonic Society's Christmas Concert takes place at the Southampton Princess Hotel on Saturday, December 6, at 8 p.m. with a matinee in the afternoon. Tickets ($20 adults and $15 for seniors/students) from the MarketPlace stores, The Harbourmaster and Philharmonic members.