THE world renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) will launch this year’s Harrogate Music Festival with a grand opening night performance at the stunning Royal Hall.

The concert, hosted by Harrogate International Festivals, takes place on June 8 and kicks off a thrilling summer season featuring the best in classical and chamber music.

The inimitable CBSO – back in Harrogate for the first time in more than a decade – will perform an exciting and diverse programme featuring Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte, Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No.1 and Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2.

Ludovic Morlot will be the conductor for the night, joined by acclaimed musician Oliver Janes as the soloist. Janes studied at the Royal Academy of Music and is now CBSO’s Section Leader Clarinet.

This year’s Harrogate Music Festival line-up includes some well-known names with more exciting artists due to be announced in the coming weeks.

Among those already confirmed are the prize-winning Gildas Quartet, as well as the Maxwell Quartet, whose classical and folk influences have created a fresh voice in the world of chamber music. Joining them this summer will be popular British jazz singer Jo Harrop, contemporary soul singer Mica Sefia, and Bradford-based dance company Punjabi Roots.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive officer of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “We are delighted to have the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra launching this year’s summer season. It has such a rich heritage and is one of the most revered orchestras around.

“Harrogate’s audience will be able to get the Prom’s experience without needing to trek down to London, so this really is an opportunity for classical music fans in the North to enjoy an internationally renowned orchestra performing in a world class venue.

“I can’t think of a better way to launch what promises to be a dazzling summer season of incredible music.”

Harrogate Music Festival will take place during June and July, starting on June 8 with a Grand Opening Concert at the Royal Hall. The festival features a series of carefully curated performances, from classical and chamber music to cabaret and jazz that celebrate the history and legacy of the Festival, now in its 59th year.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to book tickets, visit the Harrogate International Festivals website at www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or call the Box Office on 01423 562303.