THE 2003 Stratford Musical Festival which runs from Friday, October 10, to Saturday, October 18, has a new name and a new logo.

It offers nine days of exciting classical and jazz concerts and dance events led by the leading performers in their fields in the Civic Hall and some of the town's historic

buildings.

The opening night at Holy Trinity Church features Christopher Monks directing the internationally acclaimed soprano Emma Kirkby with Armonico Consort and Concerto Gallese Baroque Orchestra in a programme of recently discovered works by Francesco Scarlatti.

Other early music in the festival is provided by The Flautadors, giving a fascinating

insight in to Tudor music, Phoenix Rising from Holland performing Italian baroque in the 17th century Alcester Town Hall, renowned harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock at the Guild Chapel, and an Early Music Showcase at the Shakespeare Institute featuring leading Midlands

Early Music ensembles.

As always here is an interesting and varied lunchtime concert series at the Town Hall with an exciting line-up of young artists including the Zanetti Piano Trio from the USA, baritone Roderick Williams, pianist David Quigley, violinist Alexandra Wood and the Callino String

Quartet from Ireland.

On Saturday, October 11, the Shakespeare hosts the Flute Day, a day-long programme of workshops and flute choirs with a lunchtime concert by flautist Gemma Jukes.

English music continues to be promi-nent in the programming for the festival and this year the emphasis is on Arnold Bax.

Pianist Phillip Dyson will perform two works in his Sunday, October 12, tea concert at the Shakespeare Institute, and at the same venue at 8pm that day the Schubert Ensemble of London present the Piano Quartet.

Dance is always an important element in the festival, and this year two thrilling dance groups will be performing at the Civic Hall -- Union dance on Tuesday, October 14, and Alma on Thursday, October 16.

The Civic Hall is the venue for Kintamarni Saxophone Quartet on Wednesday, October 15, and the Fine Arts Brass Ensemble on Friday, October 17.

The Orchestra of the Swan is heavily involved, playing in Southam on October 11 and the Civic Hall on October 13 alongside the Stratford Concert Orchestra and Stratford Music Centre.

On the final night, Orchestra of the Swan is back to accompany Stratford Chamber Choir at the Levi Fox Hall, and King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys perform their unique brand of rhythm and blues at the Civic Hall.

"Holding two such impressive concerts on the final night will ensure that the festival

ends in a truly spectacular style," said spokesman Nicola Ladwiniec.

Tickets for the festival are available at the Civic Hall or by calling 01926 496277.