MEMBERS from one of the country's top orchestras will be performing at St Elphin's Church for the first time next month.

Eight of the best string, brass and wind soloists from the Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO) will be playing Schubert’s Octet on Friday, April 8.

While the NCO has regularly given concerts in Warrington over the years, this is the first time its players have performed in the historic church known for its 281ft spire.

The piece will feature Nicholas Ward on violin, Catherine Muncey on violin and viola, Richard Muncey on viola, Heather Bills on cello, James Manson on double bass, Elizabeth Jordan on clarinet, Llinos Owen on bassoon and Naomi Atherton on French horn.

Jonathan Thackeray, NCO's general manager and a professional bass player, said: "The NCO soloists will herald the start of spring with one of my favourite Schubert pieces – the Octet.

"It showcases the sonorous tones of the double-bass."

The concert also features Mozart’s Horn Quintet and 20th century composer Jean Françaix's Divertissement.

NCO was formed in the late 1960s and is based in Manchester.

The orchestra is now a regular at music and arts festivals, including Ulverston’s International Music Festival and Buxton Festival as the 'orchestra in residence' playing for its main opera productions.

The NCO has also worked with the likes of the BBC, the Arts Council, Manchester Metropolitan University and Blackburn Cathedral over the years.

Its members also help out with Accent, Warrington and Halton's music education hub.

- NCO's soloists are at St Elphin’s on Friday, April 8, on 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 for adults, £7 for students and free for young people aged 18 or under.

Call 0161 247 2220 or buy them on the door.

DAVID MORGAN