FROM cello to synthesiser, banjo to violin, and classic to folk, Malton's Milton Rooms early summer programme has it all.

Kicking off with the Carrivick Sisters on Friday, May 20, twins Laura and Charlotte are widely known throughout the UK folk scene. They have also earned a strong international reputation for engaging live performances, multi-instrumental dexterity - fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and dobro - tight harmonies and finely-crafted original songs.

With comparison to Alison Krauss and Union Station, their individual sound comes from a musical background of American bluegrass and old-time, but also bears influence of English folk music and their roots in the West Country.

After previous sell-out performances at the Milton Rooms, firm favourites Blackheart return to the Studio on Friday, June 3. Steve Hackett of Genesis has described their music as “beautiful, powerful and inspiring”. They recently won Best British Duo in the UK Exposure Music Awards.

Rick Pilkington and Chrissie Mostyn play a heavenly fusion of acoustic folk, intelligent pop and classical composition. They feature a stunning array of instruments including acoustic and electric guitars, piano, percussion, vintage synthesisers, mandola, and flugelhorn, plus Chrissie’s incredibly haunting vocals.

Award-winning Canadian songwriter Ian Sherwood offers music to lift the soul when his UK tour comes to Malton on Saturday, June 4. Ian takes catchy melodies and heart-breaking stories and mixes them with intricate guitar playing, saxophones and pop/rock grooves. His fusing of contemporary song styles (from pop to country to jazz) and contemplative lyrics, energetic stage show and honest presentation have quickly gained him a following.

Ian has penned tunes for many other artists as well as for theatre, film and television and was named Contemporary Singer of the Year in the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

The Milton Rooms switches the mood to classical with a fusion of Italy’s Cremona Quartet and North Yorkshire’s own renowned cellist Jamie Walton performing chamber music by Mozart and Schubert on Thursday, June 9.

The Cremona now grace the stage of the most prestigious international venues and were warmly received on their debut at the Milton Rooms last autumn. Their focus and intensity brings tremendous life to music. Jamie Walton is an outstanding performer, noted for his rich, powerful sound and purity of tone.

Tickets for all events are on sale at the Milton Rooms box office in Malton or by phoning 01653 696240.