THE opening concert in the Ripon International Festival is performed by a musical duo acclaimed the world over.

Harpist Catrin Finch has given performances with the New York Philharmonic, Boston Pops, the RPO and Philharmonia, and performs with Senegalese kora maestro, Seckou Keita from their album Soar, at Holy Trinity Church on Friday, September 6, at 7.30pm.

Other highlights include the award-winning guitarist Sean Shibe, with his devastating softLOUD show; the brilliant cellist Jamal Aliyev, who gave a powerful performance of the Elgar with Janusz Piotrowicz and Royal Northern Sinfonia in last year’s Festival Finale; opera stars Sky Ingram and Nicholas Lester in a dazzling Night at the Opera.

Flaugissimo Duo play exquisite music for flute and guitar at rural Fewston Church; while Red Priest bring their sizzling new show Truly, Madly, Baroque to Holy Trinity Church in Ripon. Markenfield Hall is the setting for concerts by virtuoso artists the Tabea Debus Trio; and accordion maestro, Milos Milivojevic, appears with The Kosmos Ensemble at Helperby. Folk groups, The Outside Track and Ninebarrow, a dramatic film The Black Snow Road Show with Jed Grimes guitar, and celebrity authors also feature.

The Grande Finale is on Sunday, October 6, at the Royal Hall when the London Mozart Players play Mendelssohn’s evocative 'Scottish’ symphony, followed by Dvorak’s magnificent New World symphony. The concert is conducted by Janusz Piotrowicz. For the full programme, visit the festival’s new website at www.riponinternationalfestival.org.

For tickets, call 01765 605508.