ONE of the musical highlights of Dorchester's year takes place next month.

The annual visit of the Imperial College Symphony Orchestra is a landmark event and this year the musicians will be joined by musicians from Thomas Hardye School.

Hardye's music teacher Peter Oakes said: "Instrumentalists from the school will join members of the orchestra for the first item, the Intermezzo and Farandole from the second L'Arlésienne Suite by Bizet."

Thomas Hardye's head of music, Kirsty Barry, has helped prepare the students, who have also been rehearsing with Richard Dickins, one of the most renowned orchestral instructors in the country.

The concert's choral work, Stanford Songs of the Fleet, is considered something of a rare gem and is a wonderful mix of nautical fun and beauty.

The soloist will be the distinguished baritone, Alastair Merry, a former student.

Dr Melvin, Thomas Hardye's headteacher, said: "The school is fortunate to have this long-standing relationship with Imperial College."

The concert is at St Mary's Church, Edward Road, Dorchester on Saturday, March 1 at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £7.50 (£2 students) are available from the school and from Harmony Music in the Forum, Trinity Street or Nicoll World Travel in High East Street.