Style and variety lead 500 years of musicians

A fanfare will mark the start of over 20 concerts across ten venues to mark 500 years of music in Stratford on Avon.

This year’s Stratford Music Festival will bring music names from around the world when it kicks off around the town on October 11.

Running along the theme of dance, the two week-long event will include music to suit all tastes as well as a family concert, Fringe Festival and ‘buy-a-beer’ events.

And artistic director, Ambrose Miller said the event should cater for all tastes as the range of music grows.

Opening with a Festival Fanfare next Saturday (October 11) the show will end with a Festival Finale from jazz legend, Elaine Delmar on October 25.

Throughout the event will be performances by celebrated cellist, Guy Johnston and guitarist, Craig Ogden who will head the list of classical musicians alongside Prince of Wales’ harpist, Hannah Stone.

There will also be musical shows from The Mediaeval Baebes - an all-female orchestral and choral ensemble.

Musicians from the Royal Shakespeare Company will join the festival for the first time to mark the Bard’s 450th birthday this year with a performance of Marvellous Sweet Music.

Tickets from Stratford ArtsHouse, 01789 207100.

For the full line-up, visit {http://www.stratfordmusicfestival.com www.stratfordmusicfestival.com}