A TEEN musical talent will be the soloist in the opening concert of the Dorset Chamber Orchestra’s 2018/2019 season.

Hannah McFarlane, 16, of Dorchester will perform the solo in Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major at the Dorset Chamber Orchestra's concert on Saturday (29).

This will be Hannah’s fifth appearance as soloist with the orchestra. Hannah recently performed this concerto with the Wessex Youth Chamber Orchestra, where it was described as a 'stunning performance'.

The concert, which takes place at St Mary’s Church, Edward Road in Dorchester also features works by Boyce, Liszt and Britten and concludes with a performance of Mozart’s Symphony No. 33.

Hannah recently completed her GCSEs at the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester and is now studying for her A-levels at Bournemouth School.

She began cello lessons aged five with local teacher Sally Flann and just two years later was awarded Casterbridge Young Musician of the Year. From an early age Hannah has played in concerts in and around Dorchester and is well known to many local concert goers. In 2014, she was awarded a place in the National Children’s Orchestra in which she led the cello section on numerous occasions. More recently she was principal cellist with the National Schools Symphony Orchestra and is currently principal cellist with the Wessex Youth Orchestra.

2016 was a pivotal year for Hannah commencing studies with Lionel Handy, whose help has seen her win the prestigious Two Moors Young Musician’s Platform competition as well as achieving distinction in her Dip.ABRSM at age 14.

At the end of last year, Hannah reached the category round in BBC Young Musician of the Year 2018.

Hannah has performed in many prestigious locations, including the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Powderham Castle. She was recently the curtain raiser for a concert with pianist Martin James Bartlett at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester.

After sixth form she aims to study music at University or Conservatoire, and pursue a career as a soloist or chamber musician.

*Dorset Chamber Orchestra Concert, St Mary's Church, Dorchester, Saturday, September 29, 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Dorset Chamber Orchestra website, dorsetchamberorchestra.org, or from Harmony Music in Dorchester.