Walled City Music Festival

Grammy-winning classical musicians tune up for the annual festival in Derry

Three Grammy Award-winning classical musicians are set to star at the second Walled City Music Festival - hosted at the University of Ulster's Magee campus - bringing the very best of classical repetoires to the newly crowned UK City of Culture 2013.

The festival takes place from August 2-7 and is the brainchild of concert pianist Dr Cathal Breslin - born and bred in the Maiden City - and his wife Dr Sabrina Hu, a flautist from the United States.

Artistic directors Breslin and Hu will play alongside the visiting international artists in a number of concerts, including the opening concert on August 3, when they will perform as the Trio Festivale alongside cellist Gerald Peregrine.

'It is a real privilege to have three Grammy winning artists joining us this year, among an impressive international line up representing nine countries,' said Breslin ahead of the festival launch. 'It is our goal to make this festival an annual event which will fill the Derry air with the very best of classical music and inspire and motivate young musicians in the city and beyond.'

On August 4 Grammy award-winning pianist Kathryn Stott, well known for her exciting collaborations with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, will perform with Breslin in a rare performance of music for two pianos.

The acclaimed New Zealand born bass baritone Jonathan Lemalu, EMI artist and one of the most sought after performers on the international concert, operatic and recital circuit, will perform alongside his wife, mezzo soprano Sandra Martinovic, and pianist Michael Hampton on Friday August 6.

Completing the trio of Grammy winners is the exceptional French violinist Augustin Dumay, who will conclude the festival on Saturday August 7 with a recital of violin sontatas.

'As well as the wonderful concert programme we have also developed an exciting ancillary educational strand, with many of the visiting artists offering free workshops and masterclasses to the public,' Breslin added. 'This includes an amazing opportunity for rising vocal stars to attend a masterclass with Jonathan Lemalu and Sandra Martinovic which really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.'

Niamh Pearce, cultural development officer at the Magee campus said: 'We are delighted to host the Walled City Music Festival, which complements the University of Ulster's own work in music development and education and we wish the festival committee every success with this year's programme.'

The Walled City Music Festival will run from Tuesday August 2 to Saturday August 7. For further information on the full programme of concerts and educational activities log on to the Walled City Music Festival website here. Tickets for all concerts are available from the Millennium Forum Box Office on 028 7126 4455.