BSO winners set to perform Walking in the Air at Christmas concert

Eleven-year-old Rylan Stafford, a pupil at Purbeck School in Wareham, has been chosen as the soloist for the evening concert, and 12-year-old Jack Faulkner, from Clayesmore Prep School near Blandford, has been chosen for the matinee.

Twynham Secondary School pupil Oliver Payne, also 12, will be the understudy for both performances.

All three singers were chosen for having shown the judges “outstanding talent”.

They will perform with the full orchestra at two live screenings of The Snowman - performing the iconic Walking in the Air - as well as Paddington Bear’s First Concert on Tuesday, December 20.

The Snowman, which tells the tale of a young boy and his snowman that magically comes to life one Christmas Eve, is a story which has entertained audience members of all ages since it first appeared on television screens in 1982.

It has become something of a fixture for the orchestra’s Christmas season.

Rehearsals are now underway for these concerts which take place at Lighthouse, Poole, at 3pm and 7pm.

The conductor will be Hugh Brunt.

CBeebies presenter Pui Fan Lee will be making a special guest appearance as the presenter for the evening which also includes Paddington Bear’s First Concert - a story of the lovable bear from darkest Peru with a taste for trouble and marmalade sandwiches – as he discovers the music of Schubert, Haydn and Rossini.

She will also be on hand to meet members of the audience after the performance.

A spokesperson for the BSO said: “Cherished by children and adults alike, The Snowman is the soundtrack to everyone’s Christmas.

“Before that we follow everyone’s favourite bear on his adventures as he arrives in England from darkest Peru.

“Arrive early to take part in a handful of festive arts and crafts and other fun activities before the show.”

Tickets cost from £12.75-£37.75 and concessions are available.

To buy tickets visit BSOlive.com or call or visit the Lighthouse Box Office on 01202 280000.