THE New Year Concert at the Albert Halls, Bolton, this Saturday looks set to be a sell-out.

There is only a handful of tickets still available from the Albert Halls' box office.

But any disappointed supporters of the Bolton Symphony Orchestra and Opera 74 will be able to enjoy major events in March and May.

The Bolton Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Paul Payton, presents a Russian Festival at the Albert Halls on March 15.

Local violinist Claire Duckworh, leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, will be heard in Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, and Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony will also be performed.

Early in May, Opera 74 will be at the Albert Halls with Donizetti's lively and musically delightful L'Elisir d'Amore (The Elixir of Love).

Judith Stamford will produce the Opera 74 soloists and chorus and the musical director will be Paul Payton.

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