A LOCAL music charity has been left with empty seats for its concert on Saturday because Jonny Wilkinson has proved more of a draw than Johann Strauss.

In a bid to make sure that the stalls at the Opera House are as full as the stands at the rugby World Cup final in the Stade de France, Music in Action are giving away 50 pairs of free tickets. The tickets for their Opera Gala concert are available to Island youngsters and an accompanying parent. While England rugby fans are singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, concert-goers will be treated to performances by other world-class stars. The event features the talents of English National Opera Star Elizabeth Watts, who won the Song Prize at the BBC Singer of the World Competition. It is also the launch concert for the recently formed Jersey Chamber Orchestra, who will play popular pieces including the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba and the Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana.