ONE of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, the Hallé Orchestra, will be performing a special concert in Darlington’s Dolphin Centre in June.

Now in its 158th season, the Hallé boasts a distinguished history of acclaimed performances around the world; award-winning recordings, radio broadcasts and educational outreach programmes.

The orchestra, supported by Hummersknott Academy Trust, will transport its audience to Broadway and Hollywood, with music including two works by Leonard Bernstein – Candide from the Operetta Candide and Mambo from West Side Story - and music from Star Wars by John Williams.

The highlight promises to be Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings.

When it premiered in New York in 1938, critic Olin Downes said Barber "achieved something as perfect in mass and detail as his craftsmanship permits”.

The gala evening on June 23 at 7.30pm will celebrate the three-year partnership between Durham Music Service and the orchestra.

During the day the orchestra will also perform with 650 pupils from Darlington schools and be streamed live to local primary schools.

The events have been supported by local businesses and funding organisations, including Creative Darlington and Darlington Building Society.

Tickets cost £10, £5 for concessions, and are available from the Dolphin Centre 01325-406600 or www.healthydarlington.co.uk/dolphinevents.