FOUR young soloists will have their moment in the spotlight with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra this Christmas.

Auditions were open to all singers between the ages of nine and 13, and more than 70 applications were received from hopeful singers from Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset, Bath, Salisbury, Frome and Exeter.

The winners will be performing Walking in the Air at the BSO’s live screenings (afternoon and evening) of The Snowman on Sunday, December 16 at Lighthouse Poole.

Walking in the Air will be also be included at the BSO’s Last Night of the Christmas Proms concerts, to allow “more rising talents to have the opportunity to sing with a world-class orchestra”.

The soloists are Leo Ahern, Sophie Anderson, Alex Bartle and Matilda Rose.

Lisa Tregale, BSO Head of Participate, said: “We were extremely impressed by the wealth of talent from across the region; it goes to show that there are many young talented singers in the South and South West.”

The BSO’s brass ensemble has joined forces with Artsreach for a series of Christmas concerts in rural Dorset.

Artsreach co-director Yvonne Gallimore said: “ Expect an evening of musical delights as the brass ensemble take you on a journey through exquisite pieces of classical music by Bach and Byrd, to well known pieces such as Amazing Grace and jazz classics such as Oh When the Saints and Just a Closer Walk.”

See the BSO Brass Ensemble at Gillingham School on Thursday, December 13, or Chetnole Village Hall on Friday, December 14. Early booking advised. Tickets are available at artsreach.co.uk