North Yorkshire's St Cecilia Orchestra celebrates its 21st anniversary next month with a gala concert in Ripon Cathedral.

The occasion, on Saturday, October 22, promises to be a splendid evening with internationally renowned violinist Tasmin Little, one of the world’s leading violinists, as soloist, and a programme of stirring classical pieces.

Little's international performances include concertos, recitals, master classes and workshops, all to outstanding critical acclaim. In February this year, she released her triple CD of the complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas performed with Martin Roscoe, another St Cecilia favourite.

For the gala she will play Bruch’s Violin Concerto, perhaps his most famous work, composed in 1866. The first performance of the revised edition was given in Bremen in 1868. It has remained one of the most popular and best loved of all violin concertos.

The concert will start with a bang commemorating Russia’s defence against Napoleon’s invading army. With its rousing tunes, church bells, cannon fire and general excitement, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is one of the most popular accompaniments to outdoor firework displays.

The work was premiered in Moscow in 1882 and the composer himself was the conductor in 1891 at the dedication of Carnegie Hall.

Holst’s Planet Suite, composed between 1914 and 1916, is in seven movements, each named after a planet and its corresponding astrological character. Since the first public performance in 1920, the work has remained firmly in the repertoire.

Scored for very large orchestra, including alto flute, bass oboe, bass clarinet, euphonium and a great deal of percussion, it will make a rousing finale.

Founded by Ripon musician Xenophon Kelsey, the community orchestra has gone from strength to strength and attracts a large following from North Yorkshire and beyond. Tickets cost £20, concessions £18, students £5, under-16s free; call 01765 677413 or from the Cathedral Bookshop, Little Ripon Bookshop and Bargain Books in Ripon.