SCARBOROUGH’S Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the town’s choral society for their next concert on Saturday, February 3.

The collaboration features Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, based on folk songs and hymns from the 18th and 19th centuries. Originally for voice and piano, Copland adapted them for voice and orchestra and, due to their popularity, for choir as well.

They include familiar songs such as I Bought Me A Cat, Simple Gifts and At The River, which are sure to have the audience humming along.

“This is a rare opportunity to see full orchestra and choir on-stage together in the town and Copland gives us some wonderful music and songs to perform and entertain,” said the orchestra’s musical director Shaun Matthew.

North Yorkshire flautist Della Blood also features in the evening as guest soloist to play Cecile Chaminade’s Concertino for flute and orchestra.

Legend has it that she composed the fiendishly difficult Concertino to punish a flute-playing lover after he left her. The concertino is a hugely popular work among flautists and was performed regularly by James Galway.

The second half of the concert features Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No.2 in D major.

The world première took place in Vienna conducted by Hans Richter in 1877 and was performed by the Vienna Philharmonic.

The work was an instant success and remains popular with audiences for its abundance of heart-rending melodies.

The concert is on Saturday, February 3 at the Queen Street Methodist Hall in Scarborough at 7.15pm.

Admission is £11 (£9.50 for concessions).

Entry for children up to 16 and full-time students is free.

Advance tickets can be purchased direct from Revolutions Music in Huntriss Row, Scarborough, or The Art Cafe in Whitby, as well as through the orchestra’s website, scarborough-orchestra.co.uk or at the door on the night.