Tony CooperThe Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra is to pay a high-profile visit to Yarmouth on Wednesday, February 4, for a concert to be attended by the Duke of Kent.Tony Cooper

The Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra is to pay a high-profile visit to Yarmouth on Wednesday, February 4, for a concert to be attended by the Duke of Kent.

The 7.30pm performance at the Hippodrome will feature Valery Poliansky as conductor.

It has been organised by SeaChange Arts, cultural providers to the borough of Yarmouth, and the presence of the duke will be the first time the circus venue has hosted a royal visitor in its 105-year history.

Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber will be the soloist with the Russian State and will play Elgar's cello concerto.

Austrian-born Ernst Kovacik will play Beethoven's violin concerto with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra under Lothar Zagrosek in the final concert of the series on Sunday, March 15 (7.30pm).

Zagrosek has visited Norfolk before: with Glyndebourne Touring Opera in 1984, conducting Mozart's Cos� fan tutte at Norwich Theatre Royal. He said: 'What I love about England is its cathedrals. I remember that Norwich has a particularly imposing one which I hope I can find time to visit. But if I miss out I hope that there'll be another occasion. Perhaps a visit to St Nicholas's Church in Yarmouth would be a better bet?'

Joe Mackintosh, director of SeaChange Arts, said: 'Things have gone surprisingly well and it has been no mean feat getting this inaugural series off the ground.

'It just shows that the people of Yarmouth and the wider area are keen to see concerts at the Hippo-drome. It's a comfortable venue with perfect viewing from any seat, and, of course, the acoustics speak for themselves.'

Tickets are still available for both concerts at �27.50/�25.50, with concessions at �26.50/�24.50 from the Hippodrome on 01493 844172 or Norwich Theatre Royal on 01603 630000.