IT'S party time for Derby-based orchestra Sinfonia Viva with a concert that will see in the New Year in now-traditional style.

Viva's popular New Year's Eve date at the Royal Concert Hall, in Nottingham, is a firmly established fixture and is something that both the audience and the musicians relish.

None more so than Ben Holland, the orchestra leader who will be the concert's soloist. He says: "It's an institution we try to keep very much alive and it's something I always enjoy."

The theme this year is London Calling with a selection of the music being inspired by our capital city – including Coates' Knightsbridge March and the ever-popular A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square.

"That's our conductor Nicholas Kok's brainchild," says Ben, "but I rather like it. It has that feeling of nostalgia which New Year is all about.

"It always amazes me what Nick discovers to go with these themes. He's even found Strauss Waltzes with connections to Covent Garden."

The nature of the night ensures that concert-goers are in a good mood and Ben enjoys the feel of the evening.

"Everyone is really relaxed and a lot of people are regulars so there's a sense of fun and a family atmosphere. It's an easy-going evening but it has lovely music in it too."

It means that the concert feels less like work and more like a celebration for Ben.

"If you have to do a concert on New Year's Eve then this is the one to do for me, because of the venue, the conductor, the audience and the atmosphere," he says.

In April 2006, Ben became artistic adviser of Viva, a diverse role which entails appearing as director and violin soloist, performing chamber music and participating in education projects.

Recent appearances with Viva have included performances of concertos by Mozart and Mendelssohn, and Vivaldi's Four Seasons. He has directed Viennese concerts from the violin and has collaborated with students from schools and colleges in the East Midlands. He was director and soloist for Viva's London debut at Kings Place, with the celebrated Indian classical violinist Kala Ramnath in May.

"It's a completely multifarious job," he says. "One minute I'm leading the orchestra, the next directing a chamber orchestra concert and a lot goes on behind the scenes, such as developing players and working with the conductor.

"But occasionally I get the cherry on the cake which is what is happening in Nottingham."

Ben is referring to his soloist's role on Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending – a rapturous piece that is high on any list of classical favourites.

"Hopefully we can bring a bit of lazy, hazy summer heat to the concert," he says. "I hope it can take people away from the winter blues.

"It's also very nostalgic, full of romance. A brilliant evocation of a lark.

"Vaughan Williams was a spiritual man and I think the lark was a metaphor for our souls ascending. So I'm hoping we can transport people to a place of peace within themselves."

And as New Year's Eve is a time for looking back, how does Ben rate 2009 for Viva?

"I think Viva has moved with the times," he says. "We have commissioned a lot of modern pieces, little orchestral shorts. We have reached a lot of people and done a wide range of programmes."

SINFONIA VIVA

WHERE: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham.

WHEN: Thursday, December 31 at 7.30pm.

TICKETS: £13-£29.

BOX OFFICE: 0115 989 5555.