TWO of the most important piano concertos will be performed side by side at the Dorset Chamber Orchestra concert at St Mary's Church in Dorchester.

The 40th Birthday Concert, on Saturday November 25 at 7.30pm, will feature Weymouth pianist Duncan Honeybourne who is reaching the milestone age.

He will be soloist in both concertos. The concert places two of the most important piano concertos alongside each other.

Whilst the Schumann work has become one of the most well-loved concertos in the repertoire, it is conductor Walter Brewster’s interest in 19th century piano music and a collaboration with local soloist Duncan Honeybourne, which explains the choice of the phenomenally difficult concerto by Adolf von Henselt.

The Henselt has suffered recent neglect and may not have been heard in this country for at least 100 years. Dorset-born pianist Duncan Honeybourne celebrates his 40th birthday with a quest to return the work to its former status. This concert will be an exciting continuation of the orchestra’s 30th anniversary season which began in September with a full house for Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and Sibelius Symphony No.2.

Advanced tickets are available online at dorsetchamberorchestra.org or from Harmony Music, The Forum Centre, Trinity Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TT. (01305 2603600). Make cheques payable to Dorset Chamber Orchestra (SAE please). Tickets cost £14 and £1 for those 18 and under.

*40th Birthday Concert, St Mary's Church, Dorchester, Saturday November 25, 7.30pm.