The popular Clandeboye Festival returns this weekend with a host of international stars.
The Co Down arts celebration now in its 14th year was founded by Belfast pianist Barry Douglas, only the second non-Russian to win the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in 1986.
This year in honour of the 30th anniversary of his achievement audiences will be treated to a festival of Russian music at Clandeboye estate, outside Bangor.
Once again there is another impressive line-up as performers from Russia, USA, Chile as well as Scotland and England join Irish artists.
The nine-day festival begins om Saturday with a piano recital from young musician Eoin Fleming at 1pm and continues over the weekend with two evening concerts and a 3pm concert on Sunday afternoon
Mr Douglas, Artistic Director of the festival and one of the leading performers amongst the International cast said he was excited to welcome so many talented artists to the festival.
"At Clandeboye we continue the Russian theme with works from over ten other Russian composers from Rachmaninov to Shostakovich. Irish music is not forgotten with Field nocturnes and an evening of traditional Irish and Scottish music I have arranged for Scottish musicians Chris Stout and Catriona McKay and the wonderful local flautist Eimear McGeown. Extended over two weekends we will have evening concerts, a Sunday afternoon concert and lunchtime one-hour concerts," he said.
The Clandeboye Festival is also a homecoming of the all Ireland chamber orchestra, Camerata Ireland. Sincelast year Camerata has enjoyed great success at home and abroad including tours in China, Latin America and in Washington DC.
Another highlight of the week is a fashion show by Maureen Martin on August 18, featuring some of the best established and young fashion designers in the country.
The Arts Council is just one of the organisations supporting the festival and head of music Ciaran Scullion was looking forward to another impressive programme of classical music.
"The Festival continues to offer an important platform for showcasing the next generation of young, talented musicians as well as offering them developmental opportunities through mentorship with renowned artists. We wish Barry and the team every success with this year's Festival which commemorates his 30th anniversary of winning the Tchaikovsky prize," he said.
Tickets are on sale from the Grand Opera House box office see www.goh.co.uk/clandeboye-festival for further details. Tickets also available on the night on the door.
Full details of the festival can be found at www.camerata-ireland.com
