RIPON Cathedral will ring with the sounds of two of the greatest French Impressionist composers – Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel – later this month.

St Cecilia Orchestra will be joined by young international pianist, Roelof Temmingh, in a programme including Ravel’s jazz-inspired Piano Concerto in G and Debussy’s masterpiece of mood, La Mer.

The orchestra will be led by guest conductor, Gary Matthewman, who has stepped in at short notice following musical director Xenophon Kelsey’s recent ankle injury.

Well-known to UK audiences as a song-pianist performing worldwide with leading singers, Gary is now recognised as an emerging conducting talent.

The concert opens with the only imposter in the mix – Harmonies du Soir by Belgian composer and virtuoso violinist, Ysaÿe. It is scored for solo string quartet and string orchestra and has been described as 'a sensuously chromatic journey through thickly textured emotions and colours' – a perfect companion to the Ravel and Debussy.

Ysaÿe is followed by Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G. Written following a tour of the USA, the influences of American jazz are readily apparent in the outer movements, while the serene slow movement confirms Ravel’s status as a ‘master of melody’.

Taking the solo role is pianist Roelof Temmingh, who is quickly making a name for himself. He says the Ravel is one of his favourite concertos to play.

The second half opens with French Horn soloist Catherine Hewitt performing Paul Dukas’ Villanelle, with orchestration by St Cecilia’s musical director, Xenophon Kelsey – a work drawing on a cheerful, traditional vocal genre and an ever – popular performance piece for horn.

The conclusion to the concert is Debussy’s iconic orchestral work, La Mer – a rich and evocative description of the underwater realm. The work is in three movements and pictures the sea through the course of a day.

It initially received a lukewarm welcome in Paris, but a few years later found the recognition it deserved, going on to be one of the most performed of Debussy’s works.

Tickets for the concert on Saturday, April 20, are £20-£30 for adults wiht under- 18s free) are on sale via Ticketsource at www.ticketsource.co.uk/st-cecilia), from Harrogate Theatre box office and the Little Ripon Bookshop (unreserved seats only) and on the door from 7pm.