Fans of big, passionate orchestral sounds should be at Baycourt this Sunday afternoon for Bay of Plenty Symphonia's last concert of the year.

Our own community orchestra is joining forces with the Taranaki Symphony Orchestra for ‘Russian Rendezvous' - a programme of grand Russian masterpieces including Tchaikovsky's well-loved Piano Concerto.

Italian pianist Flavio Villani will be the soloist and this hugely popular piece will be the highlight for many. However the other major item on the programme, Rachmaninov's epic 2nd Symphony, is one of the best and will tug at the heart strings with its beautiful lush melodies contrasting with magnificently intense passages with triple woodwind and lots of brass.

The two orchestras recently met half way in Te Kuiti for a combined rehearsal with their two conductors, Justus Rozemond and Adam Jasinski, who will share conducting duties at the concert.

All the players are excited to have the opportunity to take part in such a stirring programme, which would be beyond the resources of each orchestra alone. Russian Rendezvous is a special event not to be missed.

‘Russian Rendezvous' is on at 2pm at Baycourt Addison Theatre on Sunday, November 26. Tickets are $10 via www.ticketek.co.nz, by phone on: 0800 842 538 or at Baycourt Box Office.

Door sales will be available, but get there early!