A classical music festival in Copenhagen, Denmark, has opened with some canine additions to the orchestra.

Footage of the rehearsal shows three dogs participating in the performance of the Hunting Symphony, a little-known piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s father, Leopold.

Chief conductor Adam Fischer – who auditioned dozens of dogs for the role – said he was honouring the composer’s wish that a part of the symphony should be accompanied by baying hounds.

Cookie, Sophus and Sica were chosen for their barking skills, and went through three months of training: not only to bark on command, but to remain quiet for the rest of the performance.