PEEBLES community choir InChorus has appointed 24-year-old Ondrej Soukup as its new musical director.

Just weeks after the departure of Aly Skidmore, the choir believes it has found its man to step into her shoes.

A conductor and composer, Ondrej has been musical director of choirs, orchestras and opera companies in his native Czech Republic and in Scotland.

And he currently holds the position of principal conductor with the Edinburgh University Music Society Sinfonia.

InChorus choir manager Cath Shepheard told us: “We thought it might take some time to find someone to replace our former M.D. but as soon as the InChorus members met Ondrej they recognised his potential in being able to assist the choir in its aim to continue to develop and diversify.”

Despite Ondrej's youthful 24 years he has an impressive CV in many musical genres, and has performed in cities across Europe.

Ondrej is looking forward to working with the Peebles choir.

He said: “The very first impression InChorus made on me was that this is a warm-hearted group of people who dedicate so much to their love of music, and despite it being their hobby, they aim high and have achieved notable musical success.

"That feeling was so powerful that it attracted me to the group and I'm delighted that we will be working together.

"In fact, we have already started and cannot wait to appear in front of our audiences in late November and December.”

Ondrej has a packed schedule with InChorus in the run up to Christmas.

The choir will perform at Traquair Fair on Saturday, November 23 and then the following day at Brewhemia in Edinburgh.

They are also booked for concerts at Jupiter Artland and Pentland Plants at the start of December as well as preparing for the the InChorus Christmas Choiraoke at the Eastgate Theatre on Saturday, December 21.