A TWO-year celebration of the life, music and influences of Sir Michael Tippett is about to be opened by the Orchestra of the Swan.

Music of Our Time will take in the centenary of Tippett's birth in 2005 and is sponsored by Birmingham International Airport.

The first concert, Echoes of the Past, explores the influence of the Baroque in the musical journey from Purcell to Vaughan Williams, Berkeley, Britten and Tippett.

The concert is at the Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham, on Tuesday (November 25), at 7.30pm.

For details, ring the box office on 01242 227979.