FOR JUST one week, a full symphony orchestra of over 60 first-rate musicians will be coming together in Minehead.

From July 26 to August 2, Minehead and Exmoor Music Festival will welcome the return of many orchestra members, for a range of free and ticketed events.

Now in its 62nd year, the festival will kick off with a free concert in Minehead Methodist Church at 3pm on Saturday, July 26, featuring two talented young musicians, soprano Ginevra Dobson and violinist Matilda White, both of whom have already won acclaim for their performances.

Cello soloist Betsy Chow, who is advertised to perform in the Festival Guide, has had to withdraw from this year’s Festival due to unforeseen family circumstances.

This is followed by three orchestral concerts in the Regal theatre on July 28 and 30, and August 2, conducted by Christopher Stark, who debuted at the festival last year.

Christopher’s Multi-Story Orchestra has performed several times at the Proms, and he has also had many other conducting roles with a range of top-class orchestras.

Another free concert takes place in the Methodist Church at 3pm on Thursday, July 31, featuring ensembles of the Festival Orchestra’s wind and strings players.

A spokesperson for the festival said: “The Festival is unique for its stunning location, for the dedication of its orchestra members, many of whom return year after year, and for the sense of community between the orchestra, its local hosts and its loyal and enthusiastic audience.

“One final ingredient completes the magic of this Festival: the local community. Most orchestra-members stay with local residents, often forming lasting friendships. This, combined with the loyalty and enthusiasm of the Festival audience, makes it something very special indeed.”

Orchestral concert tickets are now on sale at the Regal Theatre. For more details, search online for Minehead Music Festival.