Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at The Anvil in Basingstoke for the first time on February 14 at 7.30pm.

Its programme comprises Overture: Roman Carnival by Berlioz, Piano Concerto no. 2 by Rachmaninov, Le Chasseur maudit by Franck, and Suite: Mother Goose & La Valse by Ravel. Nikolay Lugansky will play piano and Marko Letonja will be the conductor.

One of the best and oldest orchestras in France, it was founded in 1855. It’s renowned for its performances of Berlioz, and the concert opens with his rollicking portrait of a feast day in Rome. This is followed by two emotive pieces.

Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto was a breakthrough piece after years of creative block. Its passionate and romantic character has made it a favourite among his works. Cesar Franck’s spine-tingling symphonic poem tells the tale of an arrogant huntsman cursed to be forever hunted for riding out on a Sunday.

The concert ends with two pieces by Ravel, his delicate and touching evocation of six contrasting fairy tales, and the dizzying kaleidoscope of La Valse.

There is a free pre-concert talk in The Forge at 6.30pm to learn more about the pieces.

For tickets, priced £44, £38, £33, £24 or £16 (under-25s and full-time students £12), call 01256 844244 or visit www.anvilarts.org.uk