BOURNEMOUTH Symphony Orchestra will be marking the 450th anniversary of the birth of Shakespeare with a concert of music inspired by the bard at the Lighthouse tonight.

With music integral to many of his plays, particularly the comedies and romances, Shakespeare’s words have been a source of constant inspiration to composers both past and present.

Kokoro, the contemporary ensemble of the BSO, will be presenting Sounds and Sweet Airs which showcases music from the 20th and 21st century and features baritone Lawrence Williams.

Hywel Davies who is in the first year of three as Kokoro’s composer-in-residence said: “The programme is so varied and there are some really fantastic pieces. There are short burst of lots of different styles of music, so hopefully there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“Kokoro is not afraid of mixing things up and that is what this concert is all about. We are kicking off the 450th anniversary celebrations of Shakespeare’s birth with an absolutely mesmerising display from professional musicians and young talent.”

Performing along with Kokoro will be Canticum, a London-based chamber choir, Dorset Youth Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and BA Acting students from Arts University Bournemouth.

Music will feature from eight living composers including Oliver Knussen’s Ophelia Dances and contemporary choral works by Howard Skempton, Orlando Gough and Herbert Chappell, whose work How Sweet the Moonlight was written especially for the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus.

Five Shakespeare Sonnets which will be making its première performance, was composed by Hywel Davies.

“The sonnets explore the different aspects of love and can seem obsessive at times, sometimes melancholic but also one or two are full of sexual frustration.

“They are full of rich language and clever metaphors, so as a composer you have to be subtle and not go for anything too obvious. I think about what he’s trying to say then I translate this into a piece of music.”

There will be a free pre-concert talk at 6pm when Hywel Davies will discuss his new work for Kokoro with the Head of Projects at the BSO Andrew Burn.

With Kids for a Quid anybody under the age of 18 can watch the concert for only £1.

Sounds and Sweet Airs will be performed on Saturday January 18 and Poole Lighthouse.

Tickets range from £4 to £8 and can be booked by calling 0844 4068666.