weekend as the Island's Menuhin Foundation honoured its famous namesake with a children's orchestral concert.

"I am very happy to be with you and grateful for the occasion,'' world-renowned conductor Lord Yehudi Menuhin told a standing-room-only crowd during Saturday night's event. "I feel that you are all friends.'' The concert, which saw performances from about 170 children, included students from 10 primary schools, two Foundation orchestras and the Foundation Cello Trio.

Among the selections that were played during the two-hour programme were Mozart's "The Sleigh Ride,'' "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,'' "Somewhere Out There'' and a number of European folk songs.

The grand finale consisted of all 170 performers gathering to play Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer''.

Lord Menuhin, who will conduct a gala concert tomorrow as part of the Bermuda Festival's 20th anniversary celebrations, seemed delighted with the progress of the Foundation, which he started after appearing at the Island's first Festival in 1975.

"The last time I was here was 19 years ago,'' he said. "I couldn't tell you how happy I am that it (the Foundation) is growing. I know that it will continue to bring rewards of every kind.'' To the students, teachers and patrons of the Foundation he added: "This is all your work.'' The Foundation, which currently employs six teachers, provides free instruction in the violin, viola and cello to students in most of the Island's primary schools and some secondary schools.

In addition to paying regular visits to the schools, the teachers also have a private teaching programme and run two Saturday Music Centres.

This weekend's concert reflected the achievements of students from the complete beginners of the primary school groups to the more accomplished musicians in the senior orchestra.

In attendance at the concert, which drew enthusiastic applause from the proud parents in the audience, were Governor and Lady Waddington, Community and Cultural Affairs Minister the Hon. Wayne Furbert and United Bermuda Party Senator Yvette Swan.

The Menuhin Foundation, which is currently in its 19th year, is funded by the Community Affairs Ministry and by private and corporate donations.

Lord Menuhin is staying at Government House during his Bermuda Festival visit.