SOME of the world's leading musicians are performing alongside talented youngsters in the North-East this week as part of an international music festival.

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, the Musike International Academy has returned to Durham City for a series of masterclasses and concerts.

The academy, which also holds events in France and Hungary, was founded by the Northern Sinfonia's artistic director, the pianist and conductor Jean-Bernard Pommier.

It is giving audiences a chance to explore classics and little-known works with worldclass soloists, including oboist Maurice Bourge and violist Bruno Pasquier.

In addition to the five artists in residence, there are performances by young musicians from some of the world's leading music schools, including the Julliard School, in New York, and the Paris and Moscow Conservatoires.

One of the festival's artistic advisors, David Haslam, said: "The standard is extremely high and there have already been some outstanding performances.

"As well as the chamber concerts, there have also been lunchtime recitals and masterclasses, and all have been well attended.

"It has been a wonderful experience for all the young musicians taking part."

Today's events will include masterclasses and a lunchtime concert in Durham University Music School, on Palace Green.

Tomorrow's highlight will be a chamber concert in Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, which will include works by Mozart, Shostakovich and Schumann.

The academy will finish on Saturday with a concert in Durham Cathedral, featuring all Bach's Brandenburg Concertos.

Tickets for the events range from £4.50 to £14.50 and are available from Durham tourist information centre. Call 0191-384 7641 to book or for more information.