THE Milton Rooms, in Malton, switches the mood to classical with a fusion of Italy’s Cremona Quartet and North Yorkshire’s own renowned cellist Jamie Walton tomorrow (Thursday).

Jamie is an outstanding performer, noted for his rich, powerful sound and purity of tone and he has struck up an impressive partnership with the Cremona, one of Italy’s most acclaimed string quartets, described by the Strad music magazine as “sleek and elegant as an Armani suit”.

They take their name from the musically famous Italian city where they met as students, and Jamie shares links with the same city since he plays a Guarneri cello made in Cremona in 1712.

The quartet now graces the stage of the most prestigious international venues and was warmly received on their debut at the Milton Rooms last autumn.

“This was a new venture into the world of classical music for us and the audience proved large and enthusiastic. We hope to provide a regular venue for such top quality artists,” said programme organiser Libby Pearson.

Jamie has championed the Cremona’s work in the UK as organiser of the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival.

“We have twice featured the Cremona by popular demand and it is a delight to play with and listen to their mature and lyrical sound,” said Jamie Walton. The quartet describes playing with Jamie as “a real pleasure”.

Both Jamie and the Cremona are known for the intensity and passion of their playing and the concert programme in Malton features Mozart’s String Quartet No.14 in G major (the first of six quartets he wrote in honour of Haydyn) and Schubert’s final chamber work, the String Quintet in C.

Tickets priced £14 (£11 for concessions) are on sale at the Milton Rooms box office in Malton or by phoning 01653 696240.