Leominster Festival welcomes the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra to town for an afternoon concert on February 29.

The BPO is well known in the town, having been a feature of the festival since its inception, and on this visit the programme offers two examples of Russian music.

The first is the 1812 Overture by Piotr Tchaikovsky. Composed to commemorate the building of the Cathedral of the Redemption in Moscow and the Russian victory over Napoleon in 1812, the overture ends in a blaze of sound.

The second piece is Symphony No 7, by Shostakovich, commonly known as The Leningrad. Most of it was written during the Second World War, about half way through the composer's musical life.

A massive symphony, in the traditional four movements, it lasts for almost seventy minutes - guaranteeing an overwhelming experience for all who buy tickets for the Leominster Priory performance.

Tickets are available from Orchard Hive & Vine, in Leominster High Street, or from 01568 613286.