THE Bermuda Heritage Concert, arguably the island's premier venue for showcasing the talents of musically-gifted youths, takes place next weekend.

An annual production of the Bermuda Arts Council & the Department of Cultural Affairs, the concert will be conducted by Marjorie Pettit and features the St. John's Youth Choir and pianist Mandy Wong.

The guiding principle behind the event is to encourage further development of the island's gifted musicians by providing them with a stage and an appreciative audience.

"One of the philosophies surrounding the concert is to give a platform to young Bermudians studying the arts," Mrs. Pettit explained.

"Mandy Wong is enrolled in the graduate diploma programme at New England Conservatory, (soloist) Rebecca Faulkenberry is studying musical theatre with voice as one of her main studies at Indiana University.

"It's not just a case of taking kids through and leaving them. I really want them to come back and have a good platform to perform from in Bermuda. It's the only platform where they can come and perform with an orchestra."

A graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Mrs. Pettit has worked locally as a teacher and musical director since she arrived on the island in 1966.

As musical director of the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society, the Saltus Concert Society and the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, she was responsible for many major performances, including Handel's for the Bermuda Festival, Beethoven's and Brahms' .

She opened her own teaching studio in 1987 and, in 1991 began working with choirs and instrumentalists in a series of Heritage concerts.

Her focus changed six years ago. It was then, according to a concert spokesperson, that Mrs. Pettit "returned to her roots musically, with the establishment of the St. John's Youth Choir.

"Her great passion is the education of children and the artistic development of young people."

The community had been extremely supportive, Mrs. Pettit said.

And so dedicated is she to the concept, that she spends months orchestrating parts so that performers may be accompanied by a full orchestra ? a feat possible in no other concert on the island.

"It is my ambition to introduce as many young singers as possible to the wonderful repertoire of music of all styles and centuries which exists, and of which, under normal circumstances, they would have limited or no experience," she added.

"It is also my aim to provide a platform for young Bermudians studying aboard, so that they may return to the island and display their performing skills."

Bermuda Heritage Concert 2004 will be held at St. John's Church, Pembroke on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 15 at 7.30 p.m. Admission is $25 adults, $15 students.