BASINGSTOKE Symphony Orchestra's (BSO) Centenary Remembrance Concert is to take place in The Anvil at the weekend.

Through a varied selection of music and readings, this very special event pays tribute to those who fought and gave their lives, not only in the Great War of 1914-18, but in all conflicts since.

The programme for Sunday, November 9, at 7pm includes stirring works such as Eric Coates' Dam Busters March, commemorating the daring 'bouncing bomb' raids by 617 Squadron's Lancasters on the Möhne, Eder and Sorpe dams, Ron Goodwin's 633 Squadron and Walton's Spitfire Prelude & Fugue, which evokes images of arguably the most famous fighter aircraft ever built.

The orchestra and West End singer Sorelle Marsh also pay tribute to Dame Vera Lynn whose popular songs provided much optimism in some of the darkest moments of the Second World War.

On a more reflective note the orchestra will be joined by cello soloist Lucy Scotchmer for Rachmaninoff's sublime Vocalise. This mood will be maintained with Elgar's ethereal Softly & Gently and Purcell's beautiful lament, When I am laid in earth from Dido & Aeneas for solo voice and orchestra.

The final movement of Stephen Scotchmer's Symphony, Life's Destiny will be given its world premiere. The movement, which features soprano soloist Margarete Nuesslein, uses two poems as its basis - Nature by Longfellow and Christina Rossetti's Remember.

Traditional remembrance music such as Elgar's Nimrod and the Last Post are also included in the programme which will be interspersed with readings by Flight Lieutenant Megan Henderson of RAF Odiham.

Extracts from Mozart's final work, his Requiem, sees the debut of Basingstoke Symphony Chorus, a chamber choir formed especially for this event.

On the evening, BSO will be led by Sue Bint and conducted by Stephen Scotchmer. To make the event even more memorable, members of the Royal British Legion will display their standards during the performance.

Find out more online at bso.org.uk.

Tickets priced £12 - £21 are available from the box office on 01256 844244 or online at anvilarts.org.uk.