WE are sitting in the unlikely setting of Sprinkles in Poole bus station, across from the Lighthouse which isn't yet open.

In a couple of hours, the BSO's former young conductor Frank Zielhorst will be on stage, presenting and conducting the New Year's Day Strauss Gala.

He appears as relaxed and chilled out as ever, as only a Dutchman can be.

But he admits to being, actually, just a little nervous.

"This is really the first time I have presented a major concert, as well as conducting. I hope it goes okay. I have a couple of jokes lined up, so we shall see."

As it turned out, he need not have worried.

His presenting skills were excellent and his jokes very funny. Especially the festive EU one. What will Christmas dinner look like after Brexit? 'No Brussels.'

The amiable and accessible Zielhorst is back at the BSO podium for the first time since his two-year tenure ended last August on something of a high note. He conducted the Friday night classical extravaganza at the Proms in the Park.

"I am delighted to have been invited back so soon for this series of Strauss concerts. I have amazing memories of the BSO. It was a very important and special time for me.

"Conducting at the Proms in Meyrick was just such an incredible experience for me. I feel I went out on a real high."

His parents (and the family dog) came over from the Netherlands to watch the classical extravaganza, which made the occasion even more special for him.

"It was a bit of a stressful time as I was packing up my apartment and moving out that day. But the orchestra gave a little speech for me on stage before the concert and it was quite emotional. My last performance with them as young conductor. I was very grateful for all the opportunities they have given me. It was a dream."

The 31-year-old, who grew up near Utrecht, is now based in North London, but at the moment he doesn't mind where he lives "as long as it is near an airport".

Which is rather appropriate for the Flying Dutchman, one of whose ambitions is to conduct Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle, all fourteen-and-a-half hours of it.

Zielhorst (who was educated in the German tradition of classical music) studied orchestral conducting at the Royal Conservatoire in the Hague and the Conservatoire of Amsterdam after studying viola.

In June 2013 he received his Master's degree 'cum laude' following a concert with the Brabants Orchestra, Eindhoven.

He has been a guest with most of the orchestras in his homeland, either to conduct or to receive masterclasses.

After graduating, he worked with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, The Hague Philharmonic and the Prague Symphony Orchestra, conducting in the fabulous Smetana Hall.

But his two years with the BSO was a really important time, both in terms of developing his skills as a conductor and in getting his name 'out there' in what is a very competitive field.

"Basically I am a freelance conductor, so it's about getting the work, as in any profession. You have to invest beforehand and then you may get booked a year or two in advance. That's a big part of why being with the BSO was so crucial for me.

"People have said, 'well you seem to have done a good job for them, so let's see if you can do something for us'. It all requires a lot of patience on my part which I find very difficult.

"And of course being a freelance, there's always a sense of insecurity which I find a bit unsettling, but it gives me motivation and energy. I always need to be on top of my game. My livelihood depends on it."

If the next few months are anything to go by, he should not have to worry. Since leaving the BSO, Zielhorst has been busy.

He has been engaged to teach back at the Conservatoire in the Hague and has engagements booked until August, including a big educational project and concerts in Derby Cathedral to be recorded by Classic FM, and a spell as assistant conductor for a series of operettas at Wormsley, and work in Belfast.

He is very much an accessible conductor, he likes to know his audience and you can't in any sense describe this bicycling, football-playing man as aloof.

Before a concert you might find him having a sandwich and double espresso at the Lighthouse, or a having a quick cigarette out the back.

"I like to be accessible and talk to people. It's just the sort person I am and the kind of conductor I like to be.

"Whatever happens in my career I will always have a special place in my heart for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

"And as long as I can make music and be involved with an audience, I'll be happy man."

n You can see Frank Zielhorst and the BSO next perform the Strauss Gala at Weymouth Pavilion next Friday.