The annual Fishguard Festival of Music will launch later this week with the best of young classical music talent in Wales giving a concert at St Davids Cathedral.

Conducted by internationally renowned Carlo Rizzi, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales will play Smetana’s Ma Vlast:Vlatva and Shostakovich Symphony No 5 on Friday 4 August at 7.30pm. Soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn will join the orchestra to sing Strauss: Four Last Songs.

One of the finest young pianists with connections to Pembrokeshire, Adam Jackson (pictured), will perform at the second concert of the Festival at Neuadd y Dderwen, Rhosygilwen on Sunday 6 August.

Adam Jackson was born in the UK to a Polish mother and a Welsh father. He began piano studies at the age of 7 and has won major prizes at the National Eisteddfod and Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Adam is currently pursuing piano performance studies at the acclaimed Juilliard School of Music in New York.

Following these two concerts, 17 events will be staged at seven venues across Pembrokeshire from August 18 to September 3.

Further information and tickets are available via the festival website at www.fishguardmusicfestival.com

Artistic Director Gillian Green MBE said: “The festival is committed to providing a platform for young up and coming musicians to showcase their talents and have an opportunity to perform to a live audience. We also ensure that all of our concerts are affordable to young people.

“Pianist Adam Jackson is no stranger to the Fishguard International Music Festival. From an early age, he was a frequent visitor to the area, visiting his late grandparents in Fishguard, and he was a performer in Newport Music Society’s Young Artists Recitals.”

Gillian added: “We are also delighted that the National Youth Orchestra of Wales will be able to return to the festival for a ‘Festival Launch’ concert at St Davids Cathedral early in August under the baton of Carlo Rizzi. The association with National Youth Arts Wales is much valued as we welcome back the National Youth Choir of Wales during festival time later in the month.”