A GUEST conductor takes the helm at Chandos Symphony Orchestra’s next concert, Russian and German Giants, on Sunday, November 15.

Alice Farnham is a rising star in the conducting world and recently made her debut at Covent Garden. She is stepping into conductor Michael Lloyd’s shoes as he is currently involved in a German Opera house project and will be returning to Chandos in May 2010.

Alice will conduct three sumptuous symphonic works, Wagner’s Tannhauser Overture, Shostakovich’s 2nd Cello Concerto, with Belgian cellist David Cohen as soloist, and Rachmaninov’s first symphony.

Chandos sokesman Linda Fowler said: “This symphony nearly didn’t survive. The first performance was conducted by a drunken Glazunov and was savaged by the critics so Rachmaninov destroyed the score. Luckily the parts were found and the symphony was reconstructed. It is wonderful, rich and full-bodied. We love it.”

The orchestra will give the concert in the Forum Theatre at Malvern Theatres at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £10 to £14 and are available in advance or on the door. Call 01684 892277 to book.