THE musical wizardry of the new conductor and artistic director of the Performing Arts symphony orchestra, Roderick Dunk, can be seen and heard at Raby Castle this summer.

He will be at the held during the Last Night of the Raby Proms concert on Sunday, August 26, which ends with fireworks, sponsored by the Peugeot motor company.

Dunk is one of Britain's most versatile conductors and constantly in demand here and abroad. His regular slot on BBC Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night has made him a popular choice over the airwaves, while his appearances with such orchestras as the BBC Concert orchestra and the Hall make him a popular choice in concert halls.

His venture into touring outdoor classical concerts is a new one which he is thoroughly looking forward to.

He has created a programme with "something for everybody" that combines old favourites with some carefully selected pieces to provide something a little bit different. The programme includes Tchaikovsky and Puccini, not forgetting perennial favourites, and illustrates his passion for music of all styles, from opera and symphonic to West End.

He will conduct the orchestra through waltzes and polkas, and even a musical medley from My Fair Lady, before embarking on perennial favourites such as Jerusalem and Rule Britannia with a fabulous firework finale to Land of Hope and Glory. "My job is to send people home with an experience that has touched them in some way," he said.

Tickets are: adults £17.50, children aged five-16 £12; on the day, adults £20, children £14. The Darlington & Stockton Times is a media sponsor for the event.

Tickets are available at Williams The Music People, Blackwellgate, Darlington, 01325 466224; Top Sounds Records, 170 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, 01388 609444; Darlington Civic theatre, Parkgate, Darlington, 01325 486555; Raby Castle gift shop (personal callers only - normal opening hours)