A Stroud orchestra's commemoration of those who gave their lives in the First World War will culminate this Saturday thanks to a talented local cellist.

Stroud Symphony Orchestra will be welcoming the talented Rebecca Mcnaught to perform Elgar’s cello concerto this at Holy Trinity Church, Stroud.

The orchestra says the piece is "singularly appropriate" as Elgar worked on the composition during the final months of the First World War.

After gaining a first-class BA in music from Merton College, Oxford, Rebecca is now in her second postgraduate year at the Royal Academy of Music, studying with Hannah Roberts and participating in masterclasses with eminent soloists such as Steven Isserlis, Nicola Benedetti, Natalie Clein and Guy Johnston.

Commenting on the Elgar cello concerto, Rebecca said “It was the first cello concerto I heard when I was very young, in a recording by Jacqueline du Pre, and it stuck with me for a long time.

"I started learning it many years ago but I never tire of performing it: it contains so many emotions, often within one movement alone and I always enjoy finding new colours and timbres every time I return to the piece.”

The concert will open with Rossini’s Overture to the Barber of Seville and will conclude with a performance of Dvorak’s vibrant 6th Symphony.

A retiring collection will be taken in aid of Lifting the Blues which aims to promote good health among carers of people living with mental health conditions residing in Gloucestershire.

Tickets are available on the door for £12 / £10 concession or £11 / £9 in advance from the Stroud Tourist Information Office (01453 760960) and orchestra members. Children under 14 with an accompanying adult are admitted free of charge.

Doors open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 7.30pm.