THIS year's Ryedale Festival is reaching out to audiences in Scarborough with a commitment to regular, high-profile concerts in the town

Launching at Ryedale Festival’s Easter Weekend, the initiative will start on Saturday, April 22, with a performance by The Sixteen – one of the world’s greatest vocal ensembles – in the Church of St Martin-on-the-Hill, Scarborough, as they explore the relationship between words and music. The programme is deeply rooted in the great British Choral tradition with works by composers such as Benjamin Britten, Herbert Howells, William Harris and Gerald Finzi.

Ryedale Festival in Scarborough will also see a concert by The Orchestra of Opera North at the Grand Hall, Scarborough Spa on July 21 at 7.30pm as part of Ryedale Festival’s Summer Festival. Under the direction of Opera North’s Music Director, Aleksandar Markovic, the orchestra will perform Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel Overture; Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini with soloist Pavel Kolesnikov; and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique.

Scarborough was recently announced by Visit England as being the most visited holiday destination by British tourists outside of the capital and its stunning coastal vistas contribute further to Ryedale Festival’s existing backdrop of breath-taking venues.

Christopher Glynn, Artistic Director of Ryedale Festival, said: "The Ryedale Festival has found a rapidly-growing and enthusiastic audience on Yorkshire’s coast and I’m delighted that we have made this commitment to regular, high-profile concerts in the town. Our 2017 season will include these two very special events in Scarborough, both of which reflect the Festival’s ambition to present ‘Great music in beautiful places’ and I hope music-lovers throughout the area will be inspired to support and enjoy what I’m sure will be two unforgettable concerts."

Richard Mantle, OBE, General Director of Opera North, said: ‘Opera North is looking forward to returning to Scarborough and introducing our Music Director, Aleksandar Markovic, to our audiences there. We’re also delighted to renew our relationship with Ryedale Festival, a Yorkshire institution that shares our commitment to world class music and the development of young artists.’