THE first public performance of an early English ballet can be seen at RAF Cranwell next month.

As part of the Lincolnshire's Philharmonia Orchestra concert, Tamara – composed by Arnold Bax and completed in piano score only, will be seen for the first time by an audience.

A spokesman said: "The work remained unperformed until 2000, when Graham Parlett orchestrated a suite of music from the ballet for a CD recording.

"The Lincolnshire Philharmonia Orchestra will be giving the first ever public performance of this beautiful piece."

The programme also includes several well-known opera and ballet excerpts as well as soprano soloist Zoe Milton-Brown.

The concert will begin with Wagner's overture to the opera The Flying Dutchman.

Zoe will then take centre stage to sing Dvorak's Song to the Moon and arias by Puccini, including O mio babbino caro.

Bizet's famous opera Carmen will then be featured and the first half will end with Lehar's alluring aria Meine Lippen sie kussen so heiss.

The second half will turn to two ballet suites, one an old favourite, Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, written in the early 20th Century for Dyaghilev and the Ballets Russes, and Tamara.

Founded by Malcolm Goodman in 2001, the orchestra has a unique musical partnership between professional musicians from the two RAF bands at Cranwell and instrumentalists from around the region ensuring the opportunity and experience of the full symphonic repertoire is accessible to the wider local community.

The concert will take place on Saturday, February 4, at 7.30pm in the Whittle Hall at RAF Cranwell, and will be conducted by Neil Chapman.

Tickets are £6 and can be reserved for collection on the day by calling Christopher Owen on 07977803621.