THE Somerset International Festival of the Arts, a new festival celebrating classical music and the arts, is launching on October 6 at the intimate St Andrew’s Church in Backwell, Tom Pickering writes.

The festival was created by violinists Simon and Liv-Marie Kodurand who, since moving from London to North Somerset over ten years ago, have been looking for a meaningful way to use their skills and love of music to benefit the local community.

After the original launch was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the festival now aims to help build relationships within the local area and to provide a source of pride for residents of North Somerset.

Leading international chamber musicians and performers will come together for the three-day celebration.

Somerset is home to some of the country’s leading orchestras and ensembles, and Bristol Ensemble, the South West’s leading chamber orchestra, will be the ensemble in residence for the inaugural festival.

The festival also aims to promote music education by creating partnership programmes with schools and the local community.

During the festival, there will be a family music education workshop for children aged four and above.

Tickets for the festival can be accessed via https://www.somersetfestivalarts.co.uk/2023-festival