MUSIC lovers who are suffering withdrawal symptoms in the lull between the recently-completed Ham&High Festival and the forthcoming Proms at St Jude s, are set for a welcome fix of great classical sounds at Hampstead Parish Church next Saturday evening

MUSIC lovers who are suffering withdrawal symptoms in the hiatus between the recently-completed Ham&High Festival and the forthcoming Proms at St Jude's, are set for a welcome fix of great classical sounds at Hampstead Parish Church next Saturday evening (June 7).

The critically acclaimed New Professionals Orchestra, featuring distinguished musicians at the start of their careers, will be performing as part of the occasional Hampstead Orchestral Series.

As well as works by Schumann and Beethoven, the New Professionals will be performing the European Premiere of Gabriela Lena Frank's La Llorana, with a chance to meet the composer before the start of the performance which is scheduled for 7.30pm.

Although born in California, her pieces reflect her extensive studies of Latin-American folklore, incorporating poetry, mythology, and native musical styles into a western classical framework that is uniquely her own. She is well known for writing challenging idiomatic parts for solo instrumentalists, vocalists, chamber ensembles, and orchestras.

La Llorona, described as a tone poem for viola and orchestra, was first performed last year for the Houston Symphony with principal Wayne Brooks under the baton of Hans Graf.

The Californian link is continued by Rebecca Miller, who has been musical director of the New Professionals since 1999. She has led it in guest performances at the South Bank and the BAC Battersea Opera Festival, as well as at the Proms at St Jude's among the various music societies and festivals around the UK.

She is currently the resident conductor of the Louisiana Philharmonic and was previously conducting fellow of the Houston Symphony, with whom she gave over 70 concerts.

Another star of the show will be Paul Silverthorne, principal viola of the London Symphony Orchestra and London Sinfonietta, who will play a 1620 Amati viola on loan from the Royal Academy of Music, where he is a professor.

Tickets for the eagerly-awaited performance are £15 and £12, with a reduction to £8 for students and free admission for under 15s with a parent.

For book tickets or for more information, email info@newprofessionals.co.uk or telephone 020 - 8202 9289.