CLASSICAL CLEVELAND launches its autumn season with a programme of six concerts that feature a mixture of internationally-acclaimed musicians and a selection of the rising stars from the world of classical music.

Pianist Viv McLean opens the season on September 22 at Stokesley Methodist Church with a lunchtime recital of works by Beethoven, Chopin and Gershwin. Viv McLean is regularly heard on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.

Award-winning pianist Giulia Contaldo of Naples is the first of the rising stars and offers a programme of Debussy, Ravel, Albeniz and Chopin on October 7.

Guisborough-born soprano Sarah Sweeting returns to the UK after a highly-praised season singing Wagner in Melbourne Australia and presents a semi-autobiographical programme of music ranging from Gilbert & Sullivan and Lloyd Webber to Puccini and Wagner at performances in Stokesley and Saltburn at the end of October.

The lunchtime recital at Stokesley Methodist Church on November 4 features violinist Dylan Edge and pianist Zany Denyer playing music by Franck, Korngold and Ponce.

Giulio Tampalini has a huge following across the North-Est. The Italian guitar maestro plays music by Albéniz, Tarrega and Piazzolla at a full-length evening recital on November 23. The season ends Zany Denyer returning a soloist with a lunchtime concert of Brahms, Beethoven and Prokofiev on December 2.

The lunchtime concerts at Stokesley Methodist Church all begin at 1.30pm and light lunches are served, in aid of church funds, from midday.

"We are aware that many people are still anxious about the risks of Covid-19," said concert organiser Peter Sotheran. "We have increased the spacing between seats and we take the view that although masks are not a legal requirement, they are preferable for the safety and peace of mind of the audience, the musicians and the staff."