York Guildhall Orchestra will make its long-awaited return to live performance later this month with a concert of operatic favourites.

The orchestra will be joined on the York Barbican stage on Saturday October 16 by Leeds Festival Chorus and soloists Jenny Stafford and Oliver Johnston.

The programme features overtures, arias and choruses by Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Rossini, Mozart, Puccini and Verdi. “So there really is something for everyone to enjoy!” said conductor Simon Wright.

Simon admitted he was overjoyed to be bringing live music back to the city after such a long gap.

“We’ve all missed live music and the joy it brings, so it’s very special to be performing again,” he said. “As the conductor of both ensembles, it gives me great pleasure to bring them together on stage - along with our wonderful soloists - for what promises to be a fabulous concert and a celebration of live music-making!”

Trombonist and well-known York performer and teacher Anna Marshall added: "After the shock of all live music performance ceasing suddenly over 18 months ago, it feels wonderful to be, once again, rehearsing with a large group of musicians as part of York Guildhall Orchestra."

A Night at the Opera: York Guildhall Orchestra in concert with the Leeds Festival Chorus and soloists Jenny Stafford and Oliver Johnston, York Barbican Centre, Saturday October 16 at 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced £18 for adults and £6 for children under 16/students, from the York Barbican website