The composer spent almost a month in Antartica

The symphony is the eighth - and last - to be written by the Orkney-based composer.

The work - a sequel to Vaughan Williams' Sinfonia Antarctica - was commissioned jointly by British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Philharmonia Orchestra.

He spent almost a month in the biting cold of the Antarctic with the BAS.

"The new Antarctic Symphony reflects my experiences in one of the world's last great wildernesses," said Sir Peter.

And he added: "Now I am hearing the symphony again... I am being reminded of all sorts of things that happened in Antarctica that I had forgotten - like the sheer coldness."

Range of events

The work had its world premiere last month at the Royal Festival Hall in London as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

The 25th annual St Magnus Festival includes a variety of events including music, theatre, art and poetry.

Venues ranging from the St Magnus Cathedral to the Flotta Kirk will host performances from a mixture of local acts and world-renowned artists.

These will include readings by festival poet Vikram Seth, author of novels including the bestseller A Suitable Boy, along with performances by London Brass and the Nash Ensemble.