THE BBC Philharmonic will be raising the Stars and Stripes on Wednesday, February 19, when they perform an evening of American Classics at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, from 7.30pm.

Dianne Oxberry, host of BBC GMR's lunchtime programme and a presenter on BBC NorthWest Tonight, will introduce the concert, conducted by Oldham born Wayne Marshall.

The programme includes Bernstein's colourful overture Candide and the romantic songs of West Side Story, together with the descriptive sounds of An American In Paris. Tickets are from the Bridgewater Hall box office on 0161 907 9000.