STRATFORD Operatic Society has a new conductor who will be "out front" for the society's 2002 concert programme, as well as next autumn's production of Gershwin's Crazy for You.

James Sucking, a school teacher from Moreton Morell, has previously been conductor for the Warwick and Three Spires Operatic companies.

Recently, he was conductor for Stratford Young Generation's much-acclaimed Guys and Dolls at the Civic Hall.

James will first wield his baton on behalf of the society at its series of spring concerts in Chipping Campden, Ilmington and Boddington.

On May 2-4 he will conduct at a series of concerts to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Richard Rogers, which will focus on the music of Rogers and Hammerstein.