Soaring melodies have been played aboard a collection of vintage aircraft in Moray by touring musicians aiming to spread the wings of music.
Performers from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra flew in a Sea King helicopter and a Nimrod yesterday for a series of performances.
Aviation-themed songs from Star Wars and ET echoed within the fuselages of the legendary aircraft at Morayvia in Kinloss.
Musicians found the acoustics in the bright yellow helicopter “unusual” as they entertained visitors by playing brass instruments.
About a dozen orchestra members wandered among the exhibits at the aviation centre to show off their talents to visiting youngsters.
Inside, in a planetarium, percussion workshops were run to give children a taste of performing in an unusual atmosphere.
Visitors picked up drums, maracas and tambourines in an attempt to keep in rhythm with the performers, who performed in Findhorn on Saturday evening.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra officer Amanda MacLeod found the array of aviation heritage memorabilia on display fascinating.
She said: “In the summer months, we try and get around Scotland as much as we can to play in some smaller venues.
“We were already due to play in Findhorn but were really keen to come to Morayvia as something a little bit extra.
“It’s certainly unusual for us. I don’t think any of us have played in helicopters before. It’s a brilliant way for us to engage with the community, though, because Morayvia’s aims are the same as ours.”
Trumpet and French horn players also entertained with Celtic tunes and classical compositions from Mozart and Schubert while being flanked by the large planes on display.
Stan Barber, chief executive of Morayvia, explained that music was central to the objectives of the aviation centre.
He said: “When we started six years ago, it was with the aim of advancing the arts, heritage, culture and science of the area. Arts and science support each other.
“The planetarium area is fantastic for running workshops. We’re also hoping to get a brass band in for a concert later this year.”
