THE BBC Singers will launch the 2002 Cheltenham International Festival of Music next week.

The festival features some of the finest performers from around the world, with particular emphasis on Australia. It has an ongoing partnership with Sydney Festival and this year features a new work from Antipodean composer Peter Sculthorpe.

The opening concert on Friday, July 5, will see the choir joined by the Endymion Ensemble for a programme featuring works by Gabrieli, Bach, Gesualdo, Stravinsky and a world premiere of Red Sea by Michael Zev Gordon. It is at Gloucester Cathedral at 7.30pm. Tickets start at £4 from 01242 227979.

The Endymion Ensemble return the following day (Saturday) when they will perform works by Stravinsky and Elizabeth Lutyens at Dean Close School.

The same evening the BBC Symphony Orchestra will be at the Town Hall to perform Schumann's Piano Concerto in A Minor, featuring Melvyn Tan. The orchestra, under Leonard Slatkin, will also play Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man and other works by Ives and Stravinsky.

At the same time the Pittville Park Picnic in the Park event will be in full swing. The free event kicks off at 6.15pm and will feature the Bollywood Brass Band, the Bluehorses, JBQ, The Cardinal Vaughan Big Band and a spectacular fireworks display.

For more information on the festival, call the box office on 01242 227979.