MUSICAL youngsters from around the region are being given the chance to play alongside professionals.

As part of a multi-cultural world music education programme, school children in Blackburn and Darwen will join together with 'The Soloists' Ensemble' and put on a performance of 'The Lost Puzzle of Gondwana'.

The project is aimed at giving pupils aged between seven and 11 the chance to rehearse and perform live with a high quality musical group in front of a public audience.

The budding young musicians have so far been learning their parts in school, with the support of Joan Hall, curriculum support teacher for Blackburn and Darwen Music Services.

Rehearsals began this week in Wensley Hall, Feilden Street, Blackburn. And orchestra's do not come of much more high quality than 'The Soloists' Ensemble' -- hand picked in 1998 from some of London's top young musicians.

The Ensemble was formed by the distinguished violist and conductor, Robert Turrell and was designed to give a boost to musicians' careers in the early years of them becoming professionals.

Robert Turrell has worked with more than 30 British symphony orchestras performing all over the world and as well as teaching violin and viola at Trinity College of Music, he also enjoys work as a freelance conductor.

The final concert will be held in Blackburn Cathedral on May 26.

Musical director Robert Turrell and local schoolchildren are pictured rehearsing 'The Lost Puzzle of Gondwana'.