showcase their talents at the 10th annual Premier's Concert this evening.

Over the course of the last decade, the concert, hosted by the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, has given some 1,500 talented youngsters an opportunity to perform before a distinguished audience.

Marking this year's event is the return of former participants who have gone on to study their art abroad.

Vocal soloists Ms Ruzelda Nesbitt, Ms Makeba Calder and Brian Semos, violinist Christopher Darrell, clarinettist Mark Lomas and artist Jason Semos, who all made their public debuts at previous concerts, will be on stage. Luann Wainwright Tucker's choral ensemble "Word'' and the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda will also be participating.

Cultural Affairs Officer Miss Ruth Thomas said the main objective of the concert was to provide an opportunity for young people to perform in public and observe the achievements of their peers.

Teachers put forward names of students aged between 10 and 25 who excel in music or dance.

"It is a way for the Premier and the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs to say thank you to teachers and parents,'' she said. "It is often the parents who provide the drive and motivate their children to attain high standards.

"We also wanted to express our appreciation to the young people for reaching a standard of excellence.

"The Premier's Concert is indeed proof that many of today's youth have the stamina, determination and interest necessary to train their voices, bodies and minds to be the best that they can be,'' Miss Thomas added.

The concert takes place at the City Hall Theatre at 7 p.m.