A CELLIST is launching a classical music festival on the North York Moors this summer.

International cellist Jamie Walton, who has recorded albums with the Philharmonia Orchestra and given television and radio performances across the world, has organised eight concerts for later this month.

The jet-setting musician has been planning the festival while travelling around the world.

He says that Lastingham Church, where three performances will be given, is “my favourite concert hall in the world, it is very special”.

Jamie considers Ryedale to be his second home, as his father was born in Yorkshire and they used to go for walks on the North York Moors.

Having given more than 40 concerts around this area over the past few years, Jamie decided to create his own festival.

In April, he set the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival up as a charitable company, supported by the Arts Council and Ryedale District Council.

He said: “I then had the joyous task of booking the musicians and glorious venues – all churches and priories – with tickets priced so that everyone afford them and feel included.

“We decided on eight concerts over a two-week period at the height of summer when the moors are in full heather bloom.

“I can’t think of anything more pleasant, and it’s proven to be a popular decision already as tickets are literally flying out of the door.”

This year’s theme is “Bach and Beyond”, and each concert begins with a work by J S Bach.

The musicians performing include flutist Dan Watts, cellists Alexander Somov and Robert Michael, clarinettist Alison Lambert, pianist Alison Moncrieff-Kelly, and Graham Mitchell on double bass.

Craig Monk, music officer for Arts Council England, Yorkshire, said: “Our Lottery award will provide opportunities for audiences to experience high-quality classical chamber music in isolated rural places.”

The concerts will be held on at 7.30pm on Monday, August 17, and Saturday, August 22, and at 7pm on Saturday, August 29, at St Mary’s Church in Lastingham.

Other concerts will be held in Whitby, Danby, Castleton and Lythe.

For more information, phone Mr Walton on 01751 417795, or visit www.nymchambermusicfestival.org