A FORMER Malvern schoolboy who went on to get a first at the Guildhall School of Music returns to play in the town next week

David Hilton, who attended The Chase High School, will be playing his trumpet alongside members of Malvern Festival Chorus.

His appearance is part of the special Christmas concert in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Cure on Thursday, December 27, at Malvern Priory.

The 22-year-old is now a freelance professional musician and has performed with both the London Phil-harmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as guest principal.

The concert will feature two pieces by David and a selection of carols and choral works as well as festive readings and an organ solo.

"I'm going to be playing a nice baroque piece by Bach and a nice lively Flight of the Bumblebees," said David.

David started playing the trumpet at the age of nine and became a member of the National Youth Orchestra as well as continuing with The Chase band.

"I am very impressed with his dedication to practising and playing," said Carole Davies, who is conducting the Priory concert.

David won through to 1998 Brass Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year and last year gained the Harry Mortimer Brass Student of the Year award for his work at the Guildhall, at London's Barbican Centre.

As well as freelancing, David plays with the Real Brass Quintet.

"We set up the group ourselves," said David. "We do things from recitals to background music for everything from livery companies to weddings."

The concert starts at 3pm and is pay-on-the-door.

l Christmas blow-out with a difference: David Hilton prepares to return to the Malvern stage in a charity concert.