BOLTON Sinfonietta will perform the first concert of the 2002 season this Saturday, February 9 at Bolton School Arts Centre.

Joining them for Poulenc's Flute Concerto is local virtuoso, Julie Leach. Guest conductor Stephen Carleston will direct the lively programme which includes works by Mozart, Rossini, Elgar and Ravel.

Lancashire flautist Julie rapidly progressed when she began playing aged eight, soon winning the prestigious Maurice Jacobson award at the National Festival of Youth music. She gained the Outstanding Performance Prize during her studies at Bretton Hall College of Music.

Julie regularly records CDs, and plays with several North-west ensembles, including principal flute in Bolton Symphony. Her talent and energy is outstanding -- as well as performing, she composes and teaches music alongside a busy family life.

Rossini's overture, The Silken Ladder is to be followed by Elgar's well loved Serenade for Strings, and Mozart's popular Symphony No29 in A Major.

The wide inspiration of French composers will be heard with Ravel's homage to an old baroque composer, Le Tombeau de Couperin contrasting with Poulenc's energetic concerto.

The concert starts at 7.30 pm. Parking, disabled access and refreshments are available at the venue. Tickets, £7, £5 concessions can be bought on the door or booked in advance on 01204 334 400.