Symphony orchestra plays to Christmas shoppers
BBCWhen you think of orchestral performances, you might picture musicians dressed in tuxedos on a grand stage, before rows of people in the audience.
But the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is stepping away from the stereotype to bring its music into the community.
Members have taken to a slightly smaller stage than they are used to, performing for Christmas shoppers at Boscombe's Sovereign shopping centre in Dorset.
It is part of a community outreach programme to share its music with a broader audience.
"The orchestra has always existed to bring music into people's lives," said Dougie Scarfe, chief executive for the BSO.
He added: "Back in 1893, it was in the Lower Gardens or on the pier, but now we need to find ways to do exactly the same thing.
"Our work in concert halls brings whole communities inside, but actually there's nothing better than coming outside and bringing the joy of music into people's lives."
The change of scenery has been welcomed by the musicians who make up the brass octet.
"The shopping centre has an amazing acoustic," said Principal Tuba player, Stuart Beard.
"There's this big open ceiling that when you're playing the tuba, you're pointing straight up and the sound just fills the space in a very special way."
Trombonist, Robb Tooley knows the magic the performances can spark: "We all grew up with music as part of our celebrations at Christmas time.
"So everyone will have favourite carols, everyone will have favourite pop songs, everyone will have favourite music from Christmas films that just instantly brings back memories for them."
The musicians performed arrangements such as Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and The Christmas Song composed by Mel Tormé.
Mr Beard said it is a way of connecting with people who might not necessarily come to the concert hall: "They get something surprising, we get something, everyone wins."
