THE Orchestra of Scottish Opera returns to Ayr Town Hall on Friday, March 1 at 7.30pm with conductor Dane Lam. Schubert’s ‘Unfinished’ Symphony, a piece brimful of wistful lyricism, opens the programme of lushly beautiful orchestral music.

It is a matter of much debate as to why Schubert left this work unfinished, but there is no doubt that it is anything other than brilliant music.

Amy Turner, the Orchestra’s Section Principal Oboe, is the soloist in Strauss’ concerto, one of the masterpieces of his ‘Indian Summer’ said to be inspired by a meeting with an American soldier and oboist in Bavaria at the end of the Second World War.

The concert closes with one of Brahms’ first essays in orchestral writing, already displaying his genius in the uplifting Serenade No. 1, guaranteed to raise your spirits.

Tickets cost: Adults £25 Circle, £20 Stalls; Students £5 Stalls and School Pupils £3 Stalls in advance from Ayr Gaiety Box Office, open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Tel:01292 288 235, and, subject to availability, at the door on the night.