FOR fans of the undisputed king of light orchestral strings any Magic of Mantovani concert is a special event.

But next month’s appearance in Bournemouth by this extraordinary hand-picked 48 piece orchestra will be a landmark show.

Called simply Mantovani Movie Magic, the production plays the Pavilion Theatre on Sunday, October 8 and marks the tenth anniversary of Poole-based promoter Paul Barrett’s decision to create a startlingly accurate copy of Mantovani’s original orchestra.

Despite naysayers claiming it would never work, retired businessman and musician Paul - a lifelong fan of the Anglo-Italian maestro - proved them wrong. He signed top musicians from leading orchestras alongside sought-after session players.

The result was the Magic of Mantovani Orchestra whose musicians play the signature cascading strings and sweeping romantic melodies with a deep understanding of the genre. Mantovani died in 1980 but his music lives on.

For the past decade Paul - an accomplished percussionist who plays in every show - has staged regular Magic of Mantovani concerts, first at Lighthouse in Poole and then Bournemouth Pavilion.

As its title suggests the latest production focuses on Mantovani’s memorable film theme recordings with highlights that include everything from Bond to The Godfather and Phantom of the Opera. Conducted by Gavin Sutherland, one of Britain’s foremost experts in light orchestral music, the evening will also feature soloists like virtuoso pianist Sam Hanson and award-winning singers, Rossano Sal and Jemma Truss. The concert will be filmed for DVD using state-of-the -art cinematic spotlighting techniques.

The show will draw followers from all over the world. Last year super-fan Ashok Kapur who had loved Mantovani’s music for more than 50 years - he even proposed to his wife listening to a Mantovani recording of Till - travelled with his family from their home in New Delhi to be at the Pavilion concert. Sadly Ashok died in April but his son, Atul, and other members of the Kapur family will honour his memory by flying in for the 8th October show.

Also present will be New Yorker Thomas Dejulio, a Mantovani expert who was so impressed when he made the transatlantic journey last year that he immediately booked a return visit.

*Book tickets for Mantovani Movie Magic at the Bournemouth Pavilion on Sunday 8th October via @bhliveticketslive or call 0844 576 3000. Buy two tickets and quote ‘Echo Offer’ for a £10 discount.