THEY'RE a world renowned Baroque orchestra used to gracing the stages of concert halls globally.

But, this weekend, The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) will perform at sea for the first time - on board the Isle of Wight ferry to and from Southampton.

Normally used to the dull throb of the ferry’s engines and canned music, passengers will be treated to a full Baroque ensemble in the lounge, regaling them with tunes from Handel, Purcell and Vivaldi.

The Orchestra will be squeezing aboard the Red Funnel’s busy Friday night voyage from Southampton to East Cowes, performing Baroque masterpieces amongst the passengers, and then doing the same on a return journey.

A Baroque trumpeter will herald the ship’s departure and arrival, transforming the journey into a musical adventure.

The performance is part of the OAE’s outreach programme, which has a specific aim of putting classical music in new places, in front of people who may not have heard live classical music before.

In the past they’ve popped up in bars and restaurants, but this is the first time they’ve performed while on the move.

Education Director Cherry Forbes said: "One of the OAE’s aims is to increase access to music and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. By taking classical music directly to people in usual places – like the Red Funnel Ferry – we’re sharing what we do best with people who might not normally get a chance to hear it. And hopefully inspiring and educating people in Southampton and the Isle of Wight along the way."

The performance on board the ferry is part of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s residency in Southampton, which includes work in schools and a series of concerts at the Turner Sims Concert Hall.

Player-led and innovative, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment is one of the world’s most respected period ensembles. They are a resident at Southbank Centre, associate orchestra at Glyndebourne Festival Opera and tour both nationally and internationally.