THE world-renowned Fitzwilliam String Quartet will be the guests of honour at the inaugural Hay Chamber Music Festival, which runs from April 24 to 26.

Founded five decades ago, the current group combines founding member violist Alan George with a new generation of performers - violinists Lucy Russell and Marcus Barcham-Stevens, and cellist Heather Tuach.

The FSQ has performed across Britain, Europe, North America, the Far East, and Southern Africa and will now perform in the atmospheric surroundings of St Mary’s Church, Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay Castle and, on Sunday afternoon, in a private house set within seven acres of gardens a few miles outside Hay.

There will also be a visit on Friday, April 24, to a local primary school where the quartet will share their passion for early and modern classical music with pupils.

The founding members of the FSQ first played together professionally as Quartet in Residence at the University of York in 1971. The following year they met Shostakovich, developed a friendship and became the first to record and perform all 15 of the Russian composer’s string quartets. Benjamin Britten afterwards reported that Shostakovich, who died in 1975, had told him the Fitzwilliam were his “preferred performers of my quartets”.

The group’s repertoire is a diverse range of music from the late 17th century to the present day. Additional musicians Marcia Crayford, Moray Welsh and Suzie Meszaros will join the quartet for some recitals, including Mendelssohn’s youthful octet.

Hay Music’s John Stark said, “We are delighted to welcome the Fitzwilliam String Quartet to Hay and invite everyone to enjoy a packed weekend of musical excellence."

Tickets for Hay Music Festival cost £15 each or £36 for all three concerts and are available from Richard Booth’s Bookshop, by phone on 01497 820322, or online at boothsbooks.co.uk.