THE hearts of hundreds of parents in Southampton are sure to swell with pride as their children prepare to bring the house down in a grand concert tonight.

Singing Squad East, Singing Squad West and Ready Steady Sing are to start a series of Itchen College concerts with classics old and new.

The three choirs have young members who attend schools all over the city.

And a series of music award winners - accomplished musicians whose instrumental tuition merits financial assistance - are to perform solos.

Flautist Jessica Kabirat, 11, of Regents Park School, play Chopin's Minute Waltz.

Pianist Ho-Ting Chang will deliver the French piece Marquis et Marquis.

Other songs planned include hits from Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Henry Purcell's If Music Be the Food of Love.

The Disney Medley which includes the classic uplifting track Hakuna Mitata from the film The Lion King is sure to be a popular choice.

Belinda Drew, senior vocal coach at Southampton Music Services who organised the concert, said: "There is something for everyone."

The concert in the main hall of Itchen College on Middle Road in Sholing will be followed with a series of further events over the following months.

In May students from the college will perform Come to the Moulin Rouge.

Other music groups to play include the Hamble Valley Brass Band, Southampton Junior Operatic Society and the Gantry Youth Theatre.

For more information on any of the events contact the college on 023 8043 5636.