The specially-formed Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra makes its debut tonight in the first of three appearances when it plays for the Marcelle Clamens/David Brewer concert, 'A Night at the Opera', at City Hall Theatre. The conductors is Ryan Ellis.

The 48 musicians who make up the orchestra are drawn both from Bermuda and abroad. Most are teachers who appear by kind permission of the Menuhin Foundation, the Bermuda School of Music, the School of the Performing Arts, and the Bermuda Government.

When the idea of forming a Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra was first mooted, there were many doubts that it would be possible, but when the invitation was extended the response was overwhelmingly positive, not least because participants looked forward to learning a challenging new repertoire, in addition to having the pleasure of working with other musicians and different conductors. For some, there is also the rare chance to be a soloist.

In addition to tonight's concert, the Festival Chamber Orchestra will perform with the Bermuda Chamber Choir in 'Laudate', a choral programme, on February 19 at Wesley Methodist Church in Hamilton. Oliver Grant will be the featured soloist in a Mozart piano concerto.

The final apperance is at St. Paul's Church, Paget, on February 24 in 'Concerti Through the Ages'. At that time the orchestra will be joined by American conductor Dr. Madeleine Frank, and four of her colleagues, also from the US.

Starting time for all concerts is 8 p.m. For tickets/further information visit www.bermudafestival.org.