Led by principal violinist Helena Rathbone, they will perform fine classical music from Beethoven to Mendelssohn, plus a new Australian work by composer Paul Stanhope.

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The concert opens with Stanhope's Dancing on Clouds, a piece from the ACO Collective's recently recorded Hush album of music for children's hospitals.

Then it's straight into Beethoven's First Romance for violin and orchestra, delightful and optimistic in mood, followed by Mendelssohn's youthful and energetic Sinfonia No.7.

Edward Elgar's Serenade for Strings is a tranquil piece, a far cry from his later, larger works.

The grand finale brings a dramatic shift in mood with Beethoven's great String Quartet in F minor, Op.95, arranged for string orchestra. Known as the "Serioso", its tempestuous quality brings the program to a gripping end.

ACO Collective is a critically acclaimed regional touring and education ensemble, combining Australia's most talented emerging string players with the professional musicians of the ACO.

The high-energy 17-piece string orchestra is an ensemble of musicians from the ACO's Emerging Artist Program, Emerging Artist alumni, and ACO core musicians. The ensemble is full of the energy, dynamism and artistry for which the ACO is renowned around the world.

The ACO Collective will also host a workshop at the Armidale Teachers' College for NECOM's advanced string students, giving them a wonderful opportunity to learn from, network, and perform with worldclass musicians.

Half of the proceeds of ticket sales and all proceeds from refreshments will benefit the New England Conservatorium of Music.

The concert on Tuesday, October 29 runs from 7pm to 8.30pm in the Armidale Town Hall. Tickets available from www.trybooking.com/ZYQF or at the door.