An annual celebration of the arts is underway in Malvern.

The Autumn in Malvern Festival has begun well, with a capacity audience for a Bach Harpsichord recital by Iain Simcock at the Grade 1 Listed, St Leonard's Chapel.

As usual, the festival has an international flavour with a visit by the Nicolai Chamber Choir from Stockholm Cathedral, Sweden.

They’ll be performing at Great Malvern Priory on Friday, September 29 from 1pm.

The European Union Chamber Orchestra, with whom the festival has a long standing association, are at Malvern College’s Great Hall on Sunday, October 29 at 3pm.

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This year, Yuzhang Li, a rising star pianist appears with the orchestra to perform Mozart's Piano Concerto No 12 in A major.

The Worcester composer Ian Venables, described by Musical Opinion Magazine as “Britain’s greatest living composer of art songs”, will attend and have his songs performed at Christchurch, Malvern on Saturday, October 7.

‘A journey through English song’ will feature the tenor Nick Pritchard and pianist Simon Lepper, who has played on the BBC’s Cardiff Singer of the World.

Worcestershire Saxophone Quartet present an informal tea-time concert at Elmslie House on Saturday, October 14 at 4pm.

Malvern’s own chamber choir the Aldwyn Voices perform choral music from the 16th to the 21st century, at the Great Hall, Malvern College, on Sunday, October 22.

The concert marks the 400th anniversary of the great English composer William Byrd, with poetry read by actor Peter Sutton.

There are several illustrated talks and exhibitions taking place in local galleries and at Malvern Priory - and one by the highly regarded Worcester artist David Birtwhistle in Malvern Library.

Elmslie House is also hosting an exhibition called ‘In search of the perfect hill’ at the end of October.

Artistic director Peter Smith said: “The festival would not be possible without our loyal sponsors. Once again, I offer my sincere thanks to the generous grant-making bodies, private individuals, businesses, volunteers and of course, our audience members.”

For full information visit www.malvernfestival.co.uk