AFTER a 40-year association, David Lardi, a renowned international classical musician, will be bowing out as conductor of the amateur North London Symphony Orchestra (NLSO) at a special gala concert at the United Reformed Church in Palmers Green.

The evening's programme focuses on Russian composers and includes well-known works by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Mussorgsky.

David, who has performed more than 1,000 works in major venues in the UK and Europe, started his prestigious career after studying at Trinity College of Music before taking a degree at King's College where he won the Ricordi Conducting Prize and the City Livery Prize. For 20 years he was a professor at Trinity.

He also studied at the Accademia Musicale Chigano in Siena, Italy, where he was awarded the Diploma di Merito before being asked by Maestro Ferrara to work with him in Rome. He has won a Performing Rights Society Award for Enterprise three times.

The concert on Saturday will be a celebration of David's formidable achievements in music - he's performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Purcell Room and the Wigmore Hall, as well as a concert to mark the re-opening of the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace. He's also contributed to many TV and radio programmes on classical music.

Rachel Lewis, chair of the orchestra committee, says: "This is clearly a momentous occasion as we say goodbye to David after his long association with NLSO - we are very grateful for all he has done over the years. We would love the concert to be a real celebration of his time with the orchestra and hope many ex-members and friends can come along to enjoy the evening with us."

David is also musical director of the Finchley Chamber Choir and the Finchley Chamber Orchestra.

North London Symphony Orchestra, United Reform Church, Palmers Green, Saturday, December 5, 7.45pm. Details: Tickets available on the night at venue.