A MULTINATIONAL musical extravaganza is coming to Kidderminster Town Hall this weekend.

Four Germans will line-up alongside a Danish cellist, who will perform Sir William Walton's cello concerto - at the request of his widow - this weekend.

And Troels Svane has chosen Kidderminster Town Hall and Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra's concert to mark Walton's centenary, at the venue.

But despite requesting he include the work in his repertoire at a previous meeting, Susana Walton will not be able to witness the performance due to being double booked in Lichfield.

Lady Walton has sent a message of support to Troels and the orchestra - and told them she is "terribly sad" to miss the occasion.

"I hope your concert will encourage the orchestra and audience to remember William's work, particularly as we celebrate the centenary of his birth, and that the vision behind such an event will help develop a lasting interest in his music," she said.

Saturday's concert, which starts at 7.30pm, will be a special event in more ways than one as four members of WFSO's equivalent orchestra in Husum, Kidderminster's twin town, will be jetting in especially to take part.

Troels, who played in Kidderminster for the first time two years ago in a joint concert featuring the two towns' bands, has links with the Husum orchestra as he is the professor of cello at a nearby university in Lubeck.

WFSO spokeswoman Linda Fowler said: "This concert is really exciting because of the direct link we have to Sir William Walton through Troels."

Walton was born in 1902 and died 81 years later. His finest work includes three string concertos for violin, viola and cello, an opera, "Troilus and Cressida", a string quartet and the Johannesburg Festival Overture.

Troels, a member of the Copenhagen Trio, is returning from a concert tour of the USA for the occasion.

He has recently played at Birmingham's Symphony Hall.

Saturday's programme will also feature Dvorak's New World Symphony.

And in a bid to encourage young musicians, under-14s will be admitted free downstairs at the town hall if accompanied by an adult.

"It will be helpful for music-loving parents who won't have to pay for a babysitter!" Linda said.

Tickets are available by calling 01562 863503.