A CONGREGATION of incredible performers will usher in the 15th year of one of the highlights in the classical music calendar.

Conwy will once again play host to a diverse array of ensembles, artists and orchestras for the return of Conwy Classical Music Festival to St Mary’s Church from Saturday, July 20 until Saturday 27.

This year, the festival will be opened by Conwy’s very own community orchestra, which in the eight short years since its founding has developed into a versatile ensemble of forty-five talented amateur and semi-professional players as well as following last year’s first with a second orchestral performance by The Festival Orchestra comprised solely of professionals.

North Wales Chronicle:

Conwy Town Orchestra. Picture: Facebook/ Conwy Town Orchestra

This year's line up continues the festival's tradition of spotlighting spectacular ensembles and choirs, including one of last year’s highlights and festival mainstays The Marian Consort, Côr Meibion Bro Aled, The Fitzsimmon Ensemble and The Manchester Ensemble as well as smaller groupings including two performances by The Thorne Trio and more.

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The Thorne Trio

This year's event will also welcome a mix of established and up-and coming musicians including festival stalwart pianist Christina Mason-Scheuermann with 15 year old multi-instrumentalist and National Urdd Eisteddfod winner Christopher Sabisky, a festival first appearance of The International Voice of the Future Winner fresh from the Llangollen Eisteddfod this July and multi-award winning pianist Ellis Thomas.

North Wales Chronicle:

Pianist Ellis Thomas

With 20 concerts, lectures and workshops set across eight days, the chance to catch transcendent classical music of all stripes in a fantastic medieval setting is not to be missed. a festival is not to be missed.

There are no set admission charges to festival concerts, but audiences are invited to contribute to a collection at the end of each performance towards the running of the festival.

For more information and the full in the up with times a dates visit conwyclassicalmusic.co.uk. or contact Chris Roberts by calling 01492 592166 or 07706972656 and via email on ChrisRobz03@aol.com.