Bury St Edmunds-based Bury Friendly Orchestra set to perform at The Apex with guest soloist Archie Bonham

A Bury St Edmunds-based orchestra is set to perform a Scandinavian themed programme at The Apex.

Archie Bonham, 25, who won the Norfolk Young Musician Competition in 2018, will be joining the Bury Friendly Orchestra on Sunday, March 3.

Susannah Smith, 54, who lives in Stanningfield, has been principal flautist in the orchestra for the past seven years and took over as chair in November 2023.

She’s now set to lead the concert for the first time.

“I am feeling particularly proud of this and I don’t really feel nervous as I've played in orchestras for the past 37 years so am very experienced,” Susannah said.

“What makes this concert so special is that we are performing Grieg's exhilarating Piano Concerto and Archie is making his debut with us as well.

“He stood out to us and we love to support young up and coming artistes. He’s just absolutely brilliant.”

The Bury Friendly Orchestra plays two concerts a year at The Apex and 2026 will be their 20th anniversary performing at the venue in Charter Square.

As well as Grieg’s Piano Concerto, the orchestra’s programme includes Sibelius’ stirring Karelia Suite, a trip on the Copenhagen Steam Railway (complete with train whistles) and Scandinavia’s greatest exports Abba.