A FUSION of rock, rap and classical sounds will feature in a performance which is designed to appeal to all musical tastes.

Some of North Yorkshire's most talented musicians will come together to perform on Saturday as part of a series of consultation gigs to assess the effectiveness of youth services in the county.

Celebrated classical composer Barry Russell has been working with Harrogate Youth Jazz orchestra and the bands Routine Chaos and Velocity.

They have transformed a three-and-a-half minute rock song into a 12-minute classical rock blend, which will be the mainstay of a concert to be staged at Bedale High School.

The performance, from 7pm to 9.30pm, forms part of a string of 18 dates over the three-month consultation period which aims to shape youth services in North Yorkshire.

Using popular mediums such as music, dance and theatre, the authority hopes to tap into the views of young people so they can help direct future youth services.

Organised through the council's Connecting Youth Culture project, the concert is also being supported by Harrogate International Festival. Tickets are £2 at the door.

Executive member for lifelong learning Jim Clark said: "I'm really excited by the prospect of blending the raw energy of the county's talented rock and rap musicians with the discipline of a 35- piece orchestra.

"The result should be something which touches us all."

Project leader Andy Elliott said: "It has certainly opened the bands' eyes to the discipline required by classical musicians and I think the orchestra has been surprised at the levels of improvisation and freedom enjoyed by the rock bands."