THE popular Bermuda Youth Heritage Concert is set to take place next weekend.

Held each year during Heritage Month, the event is directed by Marjorie Pettit and features the St. John's Youth Choir, a body she established in 1998.

"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," Mrs. Pettit said in 2004.

"It is also my aim to provide a platform for young Bermudians studying abroad to return to the island and display their performing skills."

Presented by the Bermuda Arts Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Bermuda Youth Heritage Concert is held with that aim in mind ? to showcase the level of excellence on the island.

Taking centre stage this year is Jonathan McBeath. The 18 year old will perform Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major by Ludwig van Beethoven. He spoke with the about the upcoming programme, describing it as an "exciting opportunity".

"I am really looking forward to the two performance evenings. The Youth Choir that Mrs. Pettit directs is really amazing. Many very talented voice students belong to her choir and I know the audience will certainly enjoy their programme.

"My little sister, Kathleen, was fortunate enough to join this group of fine signers and I have really enjoyed listening to the material being prepared. The Beethoven Concerto will be after the intermission and it is a great privilege to have been invited to perform."

Asked if he was at all nervous about the solo performance, Mr. McBeath admitted to feeling some stress, largely because of his strong desire to play well.

"Yes, I am sure that the concert nights will be accompanied by some nerves, as I have been working hard to make sure the audience hears a worthy performance of this popular concerto," he said. "It will be really exciting to perform with the professional musicians in the orchestra and I hope that thrill will replace the nervousness once the concerto begins."

The pianist began to study his craft at an early age, honing his talent at the Bermuda School of Music.

"I have studied piano at the Bermuda School of Music since I was six years old and we have enjoyed many opportunities to perform in studio concerts there as well as at school and community events.

"I also have had the great privilege of studying organ with Mrs. Ruth Henderson and so there have been opportunities to play in concerts as well as during church services and fundraising events.

"This opportunity to play with a live orchestra is an exceptional one and I am very interested to see how much more 'alive' the concerto will feel with the interaction between the orchestra and soloist. This is really an exciting opportunity before I head off to university in the fall."

In the coming school year, Mr. McBeath will head to the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, where he will minor in sciences. He intends to continue his musical pursuits for a while yet, detailing his hope "to keep up with my piano and organ performance studies throughout my undergraduate years".

The Bermuda Youth Heritage Concert 2006 will be held on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21 at 7.30 p.m., at St. John's Church, Pembroke. Soloists will also perform. The orchestra will be led by Kerry Haslam, who appears with the permission of the Menuhin Foundation. Tickets are available at the door and are also on sale at St. John's Church in Pembroke, in the Sunday School Building between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for students.