IT’S the final concert this weekend in another ambitious and highly successful season for Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra.

The orchestra has chosen a programme of British music for its concert at Huddersfield Town Hall tomorrow.

The concert will be dedicated to the memory of the inspirational conductor, Sir Colin Davis who died in April.

Ben Ellin, Slaithwaite Philharmonic’s music director for almost five years, studied with Sir Colin earlier in his career.

Tomorrow’s programme features music by Arnold, Tippett and Walton.

“We finish the season with a triumphant vision of British Music,” said Ben.

“ The 1st Symphony of Walton is a crowning achievement of symphonic writing in the 20th century.

“Tippett and Arnold highlight the versatility of musical output from this ‘small island’ in two of their most revered and recognisable works.”

The orchestra will play Arnold’s Scottish Dances and Tippett’s Piano Concerto.

Sir Malcolm Arnold began his career as a professional trumpeter, but by the time he was 30 he was composing full-time, being bracketed with Britten and Walton as one of the most sought-after composers in Britain.

His Scottish Dances were composed early in 1957 for the BBC Light Music Festival. They are all based on original melodies, except one, the melody of which was composed by Robert Burns.

Sir Michael Tippett’s Piano Concerto, written in the early Fifties, is said, like his other piano works, to demonstrate the composer’s musical and intellectual exuberance.

And who better to fulfil that description than a pianist that the Philharmonic has worked with in the past to great effect.

The orchestra has invited back as its soloist, the pianist Simon Callaghan.

London-based Simon returns to the Town Hall platform for what will be his third appearance with the orchestra.

Four years ago, he played Rachmaninov’s third piano concerto then returned the next season to play the third piano concerto by Russian composer and contemporary of Rachmaninov – Nicolas Medtner.

His playing received glowing reports and now he is back to help bring the current season to a fine close.

Simon studied at Chetham’s School of Music with Bernard Roberts and was then awarded a full scholarship to study with Yonty Solomon at the Royal College of Music, from where he graduated with first class honours and won numerous prizes.

He has also won awards at the Bromsgrove International Competition, Jean Françaix Concours (Paris) and the Liverpool Young Musician of the Year.

Simon, who last year was elected a Steinway Artist, has earned a reputation as an exciting young artist thanks to his performances both in prestigious concert halls and in the recording studio.

Tomorrow’s concert begins at 7.30pm and that is preceded at 6.30pm with a discussion with conductor Ben Ellin about the music to be played. That also takes place in the main hall.

Tickets priced £16.00 to £11.00 (concessions £9.00) available from Kirklees Box Offices (tel 01484 223200). As always children accompanied by adults admitted free to the area and gallery.