An established cornet soloist and brass band conductor is to make his orchestral conducting debut at Wrexham's William Aston Hall tomorrow (Saturday). Wrexham Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Russell Gray, who has been a professional soloist for the last 15 years, establishing himself as one of the world's leading exponents in the art of cornet playing. Glasgow-born Russell picked up his father's trumpet by the age of nine and, within a few years, had won many national solo prizes including the under 17 solo championship of Great Britain by the time he was 12. His solo career has taken him around the world and, in the last few years, he has also become one of the most successful brass band conductors on the scene, being awarded the coveted title of 4barsrest.com Conductor of the Year in 2002. The orchestra will play Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite No 1, Finlandia by Sibelius and the Sibelius Symphony No 2 in D Major. Young Norwegian trombonist, Runar Valheim Værnes, will perform the Trombone Concertino by Lars-Erik Larsson. The 23-year-old has played with Russell Gray before in Norway's Stavanger Brass Band and says it is his dream to be a solo musician. Wrexham Symphony Orchestra was established in 1969 and is NEWI William Aston Hall's resident orchestra. It is made up of amateur musicians who rehearse every Wednesday throughout the year. * Wrexham Symphony Orchestra play at NEWI William Aston Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets available on the door - £8 balcony/£6 stalls, concessions £4. One child attends free with every adult. | 
