THE seventh North York Moors Chamber Music Festival launches its French theme at St Nicholas Church, Guisborough, on Sunday, August 16.

This year’s festival runs until August 29 and the theme is La Belle Époque.

It includes the world premiere of A Sea of Cold Flame, a work for cello, baritone and string quartet written by the patron, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, composer and former Master of the Queen’s Music.

Attracting international musicians from all over the world, the festival prides itself on offering high quality chamber music at affordable prices, bringing a sense of camaraderie and celebration to the National Park through concerts taking places in many of the area’s magnificent churches.

Jamie Walton, founder and artistic director of the festival, which he started in 2009, said: “The concept is to provide the highest level of chamber music within historical buildings which themselves celebrate the rich history of the moors, one of our country's most stunning and panoramic landscapes.”

The opening concert at 2pm at Guisborough features strings, harp, clarinet and flute in a variety of exciting works from Franck and Debussy through to Ravel’s extraordinary Introduction & Allegro.

Tickets are £10, students £5, children free. Visit the website for details or email bookings@northyorkmoorsfestival.com, tel 01751 417795. Tickets will also be available at the door.