SOME of the most talented young musicians in the country are set to give Bromsgrove Festival the best possible start this weekend.

A gifted group of performers will be battling it out through four qualifying rounds at Avoncroft Museum's New Gesten Hall, to reach the final of the Young Musicians' Platform Concert this Sunday (April 15, 7pm).

The event has become one of the festival's most prominent but unheralded fixtures over the years.

The competition attracts musicians from all over the country and further afield.

Bromsgrove Festival Chairman Mary White MBE said: "The standard of performer is very high and makes for a very a interesting competition.

"Because the musicans are graded on the standard of their music and performances you ever know what sort of excitement you will get.

"It's almost one of Bromsgrove's best kept secrets. It's wonderful to have such talented people come to Bromsgrove."

The competition is open to musicians and singers aged between 17 and 25-years-old.

Sir Philip Ledger CBE is the chairman of the adjudicating panel whose job is to whittle down 28 artists to just three for the final.

Entry is free into the early rounds on April 12-14 (10am to 6pm) and semi-final (April 15, 9.30am to 12.30pm), while the final costs £12 and starts at 7pm.

l Former Young Musicians finalist Mark Bebbington performs a version of Elgar's Symphony number one especially transcribed for piano next Wednesday (April 18).

This version of Elgar's most well known piece of music was transcripted to piano by Sigfrid Karg-Elert in 1909 and was performed over a hundred times in its first year in Europe.

The performance, which starts at 7.45pm will be followed by a supper at New Gueston Hall. Tickets cost £20 and can be bought by calling 01527 876504.