A new conductor will be opening Settle Orchestra's new season.
Colombian conductor Juan José Muñoz Borja will be picking up the baton this autumn, as 17-year-old orchestra member Harris Birch steps into the spotlight as a bassoon soloist for concerts in Settle and Skipton.
Currently completing a Master's degree in Orchestral Conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester, Mr Borja has worked with professional and youth orchestras in Colombia and internationally.
He has also participated in masterclasses with distinguished conductors, including Sir Mark Elder and Marin Alsop.
In the 2026-27 season, he will also start a collaboration with Chineke! Orchestra as Assistant Conductor.
Alongside his conducting career, Juan José has a strong commitment to the role music can play in communities and as a tool for social change.
Most recently, he worked with the Iberacademy Foundation, coordinating community engagement strategies through its In Crescendo programme.
The orchestra's relationship with the RNCM continues with Mr Borja, following a successful season of concerts in Settle and Skipton.
Northern Rail will also continue its support by providing train tickets for him between Manchester and Settle for the orchestra’s weekly rehearsals and concerts.
Mr Borja's first concert programme with the orchestra brings together music by Mozart, Jacobi, and Beethoven, with performances at Settle Parish Church on Saturday, November 14 and Christ Church, Skipton on Saturday, November 21.
Opening the programme is Mozart’s Ballet Music from Idomeneo, before the spotlight turns to one of Settle Orchestra’s own young musicians.
Harris Birch will step forward as a bassoon soloist in Jacobi’s Introduction and Polonaise for Bassoon and Orchestra.
Earlier this year, Harris, at just 17 years old, achieved a Distinction in his Bassoon Diploma, scoring 48 marks out of 50.
The autumn concerts conclude with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93.
As Settle Orchestra begins its new season, it is also welcoming new string players.
Tickets are £15, with tickets for students and benefit claimants at £7.50.
Young people aged 18 and under attend free, as do essential carers of disabled audience members.
More information and tickets are available via the Settle Orchestra website.