MUSIC students are being invited to join the internationally acclaimed Amadeus Orchestra when the ensemble plays a concert in Dorchester later this month.

The orchestra, which is a training ground for young professionals and music students, is holding its annual week-long summer school near Crewkerne, the culmination of which will be a performance to be given in St Mary's Church in the county town on Friday, July 19.

The programme will include Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, Alastair King's Hit the Ground and Mahler's Titan Symphony. Students aged between 16 and 24 with a minimum of Grade VIII musicianship are being asked to take part in the concert.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 plus concessions, available from the Music Box, High West Street, Dorchester or available on the door from 7pm.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Amadeus Orchestra concert is asked to get in touch with David Warden on 0161 902 0224 or e-mail: d.warden@amadeusorchestra.co.uk

Des comes to town

KING of chat Des O'Connor is on stage at Weymouth Pavilion Theatre on Sunday week as part of his national tour.

The veteran chat show host, comic and singer steps on stage at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16.50.

Tonight and tomorrow sees American-style wrestling in the venue's Ocean Room (7.30pm, £10/£8 plus concessions), while tomorrow and Saturday night the stars of the Bronda Kaile dance academy are on the stage of the theatre (7pm, £6.50).

Youngsters from Budmouth Technology College are also set to star on the Pavilion stage with their dance and music showcase on Wednesday, July 10, and Thursday, July 11, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 plus concessions.

To book call the Pavilion box office on (01305) 783225.

Camerata concert

BEAMINSTER Festival concludes this weekend with a performance by Taunton Camerata in St Mary's Church.

The concert is at 7.30pm on Sunday and tickets are £12.

Other highlights include a concert tonight by Exeter Cathedral Choir (St Mary's, 7.30pm, free tickets).

Tomorrow, folk legends The Copper Family will play in St Mary's (7.30pm, £5), while Saturday sees a Folk Fiddle Weekend bow in, and Opus Anglicanum in St Mary's Church at 7.30pm; tickets, £8).

Seasonal songs

SONGS for a Summer Evening can be heard at the Regent Centre, Christchurch, tomorrow.

Jean Hancock will accompany tenor Terence Trickett and soprano Cherrill Ashford.

The concert is at 7.30pm and tickets, £7.50, are available from the box office on (01202) 499148.