WINNERS of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s search for rising stars to sing in live performances of a special Christmas-themed concert have been revealed.

Nine-year-old Oliver Gill, a pupil at Durlston Court Preparatory School in Hampshire, was selected for the afternoon performance at Lighthouse, Poole.

Oliver began singing at the age of four with Swish of the Curtain Musical Theatre School.

Thirteen-year-old Oliver Payne was chosen for the evening performance. Oliver attends Twynham Secondary School in Christchurch and sings every week with the Priory Church Choir and the New Forest Children's Choir.

Ten year old Constance Conway was chosen for the performance at Portsmouth Guildhall. Constance attends Ringwood Wardolf School and sings from the moment she wakes until she falls asleep.

All three singers demonstrated outstanding talent and greatly impressed the judging panel.

it would be auditioning for talented young soloists to perform the enchanting solo ‘Walking in the Air’ with the full Orchestra at the live screening of The Snowman in December.

Based on the much-loved classic children’s book by Sussex illustrator Raymond Briggs, The Snowman has been delighting generations of children and adults alike each Christmas since it first appeared on screens in December 1982.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, this cherished magical animation tells the tale of a young boy and his snowman that magically comes to life one Christmas Eve, accompanied by composer Howard Blake’s sparkling score.

The opportunity was provided by BSO Rising Talent, BSO Participate’s strand of work to nurture and support outstanding and emerging young talent.

Auditions were open to all singers between the ages of 9 and 13, and this opportunity attracted over 70 hopeful singers from Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset, Bristol, Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, Devon and the Isle of Wight.

All applicants were initially invited to a group audition in front of a panel of judges, consisting of Head of BSO Participate Lisa Tregale

Lisa Tregale, BSO head of participation, said: “The wealth of talent from across the region was remarkable but it meant that it was an extremely hard decision to make in choosing only three soloists. It goes to show that there are many young talented singers in the South and South West of the country, and we hope that everyone who attended the audition found it a valuable experience. We are looking forward to working with Oliver, Constance and Oliver as they join the BSO’s performances of The Snowman.”

Rehearsals are now underway for The Snowman which will take place at Lighthouse, Poole on December 19 at 3pm and 7pm.