Musicians to head bill at festival

Internationally-renowned musicians will be topping the bill at the fifth Hagley Music Festival next year, it has been announced.

The event showcasing talent from near and far is scheduled to take place in the Spring is designed to appeal to a broad range of musical tastes. Three musicians, known as Serenade, will perform in a mix of duos and trios. Australian-born guitarist, Craig Ogden, will play alongside violinist, Madeline Mitchell, and tenor Michael Bennett.

The singer began his career as a chorister at Westminster Abbey and now has an international career singing opera and music theatre.

The programme between April 29 and May 3 also features leading UK choir singers Ex Cathedra, who will again be leading workshops for pupils at Hagley Primary School.

As part of the 2007 Hagley Music Festival, children from the school received vocal training from the professionals, culminating in a concert at St John's Church.

Several children later successfully auditioned for the Ex Cathedra Junior Academy and sang in a performance of The Nutcracker at the Hippodrome, Birmingham Arts Fest and at Symphony Hall.

Visitors will also be invited to attend a Morning of Music at Hagley Free Church and a performance by Haybridge Community Orchestra on the Saturday.

The orchestra will give its second concert at the festival since its creation in September 2004 for musicians in the Hagley area, ranging from 12 to 80 years of age.

Members will play music by local composer Andrew Downes and classics from Titanic and Lord of the Rings.

Art work by local artists will also be displayed in St Saviour's Church Hall.

Admission to the weekend event is free.