THE Chandos Symphony Orchestra opens its 23rd season on Sunday with performances of Shostakovitch's Violin Concerto No 1 and Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz at Malvern's Forum Theatre.

It will be led by the redoubtable talent of Edw-ard Bale, currently a first violin with the orchestra of English National Opera, who has recently worked with the BBC Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra and City of Birmi-ngham Symphony Orchestra.

He says there is something special about Chandos, because of its open ethos; it maintains very high musical standards despite not requiring auditions.

"It's a people's orchestra," he said, "I really love being given the opportunity to lead it.

"It's a brave approach to take to concerts, as we only have two weekends of rehearsals before each concert, but what makes it special is the fact that everyone is there because they want to be."

He also paid tribute to Worcestershire-born conductor Michael Lloyd.

"The pieces we are playing (on Sunday) are very challenging, big Romantic pieces, and Michael is skilled enough to know which parts need rehearsing when we get together, and which we can leave alone."

The concert is at 7.45pm. Tickets, priced £12, £10 and £8 area available from the box office on 01684 892277.