THE ground-breaking North York Moors Chamber Music Festival returns for its 16th consecutive season this August after record audience figures last summer. This year’s festival is entitled 'Echos'.

Combining moorland churches with an acoustically-treated venue in the grounds of Welburn Manor, near Kirkbymoorside, has proven to be an increasingly popular formula, attracting international artists, many of whom commit to the entire fortnight by taking up residencies.

This year, these include violinist Alena Beava, Benjamin Baker and Charlotte Scott, pianists Vadym Kholodenko, Katya Apekisheva, Daniel Lebhardt and Leeds International Piano Competition prize-winner Ariel Lanyi, clarinettist Matthew Hunt and local mezzo-soprano Anna Huntley, who originates from Yarm.

The programme will also feature a Young Artists Focus.

The festival’s 14 afternoon and evening concerts will feature music by Schubert, Rachmaninoff, Mozart, Schumann, Elgar, Debussy, Mendelssohn and some thrilling 20th classics.

Each concert will take the audience on a musical journey through the narrative of specific themes, in carefully curated thought-provoking music which pushes the boundaries.

As well as Welburn Manor, concerts will take place at churches including St Michael’s, Coxwold; St Mary’s, Lastingham; St Hilda’s, Danby, and St Hedda’s, Egton Bridge.

Festival curator and internationally renowned cellist Jamie Walton said: “Expect to be stirred, thrilled, and at times moved. These concerts are intense for both the audiences and artists but often revelatory and transformative.

"There’s a palpable sense of common purpose and feeling between all those who are there participating in the experience, either on stage or as a listener. It’s a profoundly reassuring experience, and one which we all cherish.”

Tickets for individual concerts are £15, and free for under-30s. A season ticket for all 14 costs £150. To book, email bookings@northyorkmoorsfestival.com, call 07722 038990, or visit www.northyorkmoorsfestival.com.