FELIX Mendelssohn's beloved Hebrides Overture opens the Airedale Symphony Orchestra’s King’s Hall concert on Sunday 13th March at 7.30pm. It is dedicated to solidarity and friendship with the Ukrainian people.

In 1829, the composer made a memorable journey to the Island of Staffa, off Scotland's wild and beautiful west coast. On a postcard to his sister Fanny, Mendelssohn jotted down the first few bars of his Overture and noted the extraordinary effect the Hebrides had on him.

This romantic tone poem so vividly evokes the Atlantic swell and foaming waves crashing into Staffa’s mysterious Fingal’s Cave.

Sergei Prokofiev, born 1891 in Sontsivka, Ukraine, wrote his first piano composition at the age of five. The Piano Concerto No 3 was completed in 1921 and makes virtuosic demands on the soloist and orchestra.

Said ASO conductor John Anderson: “We are delighted to welcome back the outstanding young pianist William Green. His performance of the Brahms' first piano concerto in 2018 enthralled audience and orchestra alike.”

Tchaikovsky died just nine days after conducting the premiere of his emotionally charged “Pathetique” Symphony No 6, in St Petersburg on 16th October 1893. The Symphony’s dramatic, grief laden finale ends in a mood of sombre reflection.

King’s Hall, Ilkley on Sunday 13th March at 7.30pm. There will be a bucket collection with proceeds donated to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Tickets from Ilkley Visitor Information Centre on 01943 602319, from Janet Cade 01943 862295 or on the door.