Scottish composer Jim Sutherland has described being asked to create a super orchestra for the Gathering 2009 as "an honour".

Sutherland has brought together musicians from a number of different orchestra's to form True North - a 36-person elite orchestra that will perform at Edinburgh Castle for the festival, reports the Scotsman.

Musicians from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Orchestra of Scottish ballet will all perform in the orchestra at the Gathering's grand finale.

Speaking to the newspaper ahead of the event, Sutherland said: "There is no national ensemble that can merge folk and classical music, so it was a great privilege and an honour to be asked to do this.

"This music will mark a new point in history and the whole theatrical event promises to be glorious."

Taking place on July 25th and 26th, the Gathering brings together members of the clan families of Scotland from all over the world.

There will be more than 126 clan tents at this year's event, which will feature the Deuchars World Highland Games Heavy Athletics Championship and a variety of musical and artistic performances across several stages.

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