Woodwinds and balaikas at Christmas

In Manchester, they believe in holding Christmas concerts with a difference.

On 7 December, the Kalinka Balalaika Orchestra charity concert is taking place at the Royal Northern College of Music, starting at 7.30pm.

The orchestra, established in 1984 for students in the city's schools and colleges receiving tuition from Manchester Music Service, is thought to be the only one of its kind in the country.

Kalinka have played important venues like the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, as well as performing in France, Belgium, the USA and Russia, where the orchestra is involved in friendship ties with Manchester's twin city, St. Petersburg.

There can be up to 20 players in Kalinka, with a similar number in the training section, Kalinushka. They are aged from 11 to 19 and rehearse every Monday evening as part of the Manchester Music Service Activities programme held at the Zion Arts Centre in Hulme.

Meanwhile, Mancunian Winds, formerly the Manchester Youth Wind Orchestra, is holding its Christmas concert on 15 December at St. Chad's RC Church, Cheetham, 4pm-5.30pm.

Mancunian Winds is open to advanced players from Manchester's pupils, students and teachers and complements the existing provision available across the city through the Manchester Music Service Activities Programme.

The orchestra has performed at leading venues in Manchester and on one occasion accompanied its patron, Sir James Galway. Earlier this year it undertook a successful tour in Berlin, playing in four concerts, including one at St Mary's Church in the centre of Berlin to an audience in excess of 1500.

There are also end-of-term concerts for each music centre in the Manchester Music Service Activities Programme. These concerts will take place in their regular venues where pupils meet weekly to play together in a band, orchestra or music group: Plant Hill High School (13 December, 7pm-8.30pm); St. Matthew's RC High School (14 December, 6pm-7pm); Chorlton High School (15 December, 10am-11.30am); Zion Arts Centre (17 December, 7pm-8pm.)and Chorlton High School ( 18 December,6.30 - 7.30)

The Executive Member for Children's Services, Councillor Sheila Newman, said: "Manchester is renowned for its musicality in so many ways, so it should be no surprise, really, that we can provide Christmas concerts with a difference. These concerts have that special flavour to add to a special annual occasion."

Media contacts:

Dave Hulme, 0161 234 4610, Jane Lemon, 0161 234 3179