DETAILS for the Vale of Glamorgan Festival of Music 2015 have been announced and will showcase a wealth of British artists alongside exceptional artists from China, Estonia and Holland.

The festival takes place between May 12 – 23 and highlights include World and UK premieres, three featured composers and performances by soloists on a wide range of instruments from the euphonium to the hurdy gurdy.

Founded by composer John Metcalf (MBE), who also curates every year, is now in its 47th year, the internationally renowned festival, which celebrates the work of living composers, is at the forefront of contemporary classical music promotion in the UK.

During the festival the work of three living composers’ will be of great focus. They include the work of universally acclaimed Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, Amsterdam-based Brit composer Richard Ayres and Dobrinka Tabakova.

Three young composers have been commissioned by the Festival of 2015 including UK-based Tom Green and in a continued collaboration with China, young composers Ying Xiao and Yanchen Ye. Two works by young Welsh-based composers Ben Lunn and Andrew Wallace for piano duo will also receive their world premieres along with a UK premiere from Estonian Helen Tulve.

The Festival offers a unique performance experience with venues across the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff, chosen for their setting and atmosphere to enhance the audiences’ experience of the music performed. As well as the more traditional concert spaces of St David’s Hall, BBC Hoddinott Hall and Dora Stoutzker Hall, performances are also planned at three Penarth venues - All Saints Church, St Augustine’s Church and Penarth Pier Pavilion, at Dyffryn House near St Nicholas and the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay.

Supplementing the main concerts, pre and post-concert talks with performers and composers are planned giving further insight and context to the works being featured.

Offering audiences the opportunity to enhance their concert-going with other Vale-based activity, the Festival has linked up with The Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival run by the charitable volunteer-led group Valeways. Valeways works in the community to enable and promote access for walkers in the Vale of Glamorgan and in 2015 are offering a number of walks timed to coincide and complement the festival concerts and venues.

Full information on festival events is available from www.valeofglamorganfestival.org.uk. Tickets are available from www.valeofglamorganfestival.ticketsourse.co.uk or by calling 0844 8700 887.