ONE of the brightest young stars on the classical scene and one of the world's leading string quartets are among the highlights of this year's Ribble Valley International Piano Week.

Over the course of seven days - starting on Sunday, July 8 - the Centenary Theatre at Stonyhurst College will play host to a great array of classical talent.

Martin Roscoe, the festival's artistic director, said: "Even after almost 20 years we are still discovering gifted musicans and pianists, many of whom have never been to the north of England before.

"We are looking forward to a magnificent week of music-making in the Ribble Valley."

At just 13, Benjamin Grosvenor, is the youngest soloist ever to perform at the festival.

A winner of the keyboard final of the Young Musician of the Year when he was only 11, he will be making a rare concert appearance at the festival.

Highlights include the Russo-Israeli pianist Boris Gittburg and the Brodsky Quartet, founded at the Royal Northern College of Music, who have worked with the likes of Bjork and Elvis Costello.

Other visitors include Ronald Braughigam from Holland and Grace Huang, a former pupil of Martin Roscoe, who will be making a welcome return to the Ribble Valley.

The full line-up for this year's festival is: Sunday, July 8, 7.45pm
Boris Gittburg

Monday, July 9, 12 noon
Martin Roscoe

Tuesday, July 10, 7.45pm
Ronald Brautigam

Wednesday, July 11, 12 noon
Benjamin Grosvenor

Thursday, July 12, 7.45pm
Brodsky Quartet with Martin Roscoe

Friday, July 12, 12 noon
Grace Huang

Saturday, July 14, 7pm
Gala recital with Martin Roscoe and Ashley Wass.

For further details and tickets, contact the festival office on 01229 861355