THIS July Penarth Chamber Music Festival returns to the award winning Penarth Pier Pavilion for a third year, combining excellent acoustics, incredibly musicians and a truly intimate audience experience.

Giving audiences the opportunity to hear beautiful chamber music in an usual setting, the festival returns from Thursday, July 14 to Sunday, July 17.

The festival offers intimate performances of some of the best chamber music South Wales has on offer. Directed by Welsh National Opera’s David Adams, the programme for 2016s festival promises to continue its reputation for being increasingly innovative and ambitious.

The Festival opens with a concert of Haydn, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn featuring performances from David Adams and Malin Broman on viola and violin, Laura Samuel on violin, Tom Dunn on viola, Alice Neary on cello and Alasdair Beaston on piano.

The second evening will feature two concerts as well as a fascinating talk with former Observer music critic Professor Stephen Walsh. The talk will explore the interesting story behind Janacek’s Intimate letters which will then be performed as part of the first of the two Friday evening concerts.

Saturday will see pupils of Sully Primary School have a chance to perform alongside the festival musicians in a family interactive concert with Lenny Sayers. Sail Away from Penarth Pier: A Musical Adventure Around the World will bring families into the world of chamber music as audiences are encouraged to dress as pirates and sailors.

The festival will see the support of young musicians throughout the weekend with two Young Musicians Showcases, featuring some of the brightest young talent from schools as well as Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Penarth Chamber Music Festival is based on the principle of giving access to Chamber Music from all and in a festival first the Pavilion will be hosting its first supportive environment concert for people with disabilities and additional needs. This collection of festival classics will see a relaxed performance allowing people to enjoy the concert without the pressures of staying quiet or remaining in seats.

Tickets for the festival will cost between £5 and £15 with free tickets available for anyone aged 8-15 thanks to the support of CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust. The Pavilion also offers a multi-ticket discount of 10 per cent for anyone booking three concerts or more in the festival.

Further details available from penarthpierpavilion.co.uk or by calling 029 2071 2100.