'Countdown to Christmas'

A White Christmas is guaranteed in Lancaster this year, together with other familiar 'classics' from Elgar's 'Little Bells' to Paul McCartney's 'A Wonderful Christmas Time'. Alasdair Malloy and the Northern Chamber Orchestra are

returning to The Great Hall on 22 December with their 'Countdown to Christmas' extravaganza. And don't worry if you don't know all the words, as song sheets will be provided for all the singing bits. Part of the Lancaster International Concert Series, this afternoon concert is a real treat for children and their families and is designed to help everyone relax and recapture the magic of Christmas.

One of the Britain's most respected and sought after percussionists, Alasdair Malloy is a virtuoso performer who's infectious enthusiasm, sense of fun, and flair for the theatrical enthrals audiences of all ages. His performances

include such instruments as mouth organ, accordion, spoons, jews harp, steel drum, glass harmonica, bagpipes, swanee whistle - and an instrument of his own called "The Incredible Hornonium".

Alasdair has participated in the Blue Peter children's Proms with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall for the last three years and is Principal Percussionist with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

The Northern Chamber Orchestra, based in Manchester, is now in its 36th season.

A regular visitor to venues in the North West it has a deserved reputation for imaginative programming and high quality music-making. They have made over two dozen recordings on the Naxos label, including the latest CD, Manchester Accents.

The programme

Deck the Halls, White Christmas, Little Bells, Classic Christmas Cards

1(arr. Robin McEwan), Walking in the Air, Fidgety Didgety Mouse, Frosty The Snowman, Hungarian dance no. 5, The Cuckoo Polka, Classic Christmas Cards

2, Drink to Me Only, The Cunningly Colour Co-ordinated Christmas Quiz, Harry Potter Suite, Swingle Bells, Santa's Alpine Aerobics.

Presented by Alasdair Malloy, Northern Chamber Orchestra

The Great Hall, Lancaster University, Sunday 22 December at 2.30pm, Robin McEwan Conductor

Tickets: £15, £12, £9 (£11.50, £9.50, £7 concs.) Young Person £5

Box Office: 0800 028 3042