Ripon Cathedral will resound to the Tenth Symphony of Shostakovich on September 14 as the Orchestra of Opera North visits the city, conducted by festival artistic director, Janusz Piotrowicz.

Festival director, Susan Goldsbrough said: "Anyone who heard the sensational performance of this symphony at last year's Proms will not want to miss the opportunity of experiencing it in Ripon Cathedral."

An exotic touch is provided by some of the world's finest exponents of the defensive Martial Arts - the Shaolin Kung Fu Masters from China, who will run workshops in Kung Fu and QiGong on the weekend beginning September 27.

Led by Shifu Yan Lei, a 34th generation fighting disciple from the temple Henang, the Shaolin Masters will take the stage with the Black Eagles Acrobats from Tanzania on the afternoon of Saturday, September 27.

Other highlights include the Rossica Choir of St. Petersburg, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing Dvorak New World and Brahm's Symphony number one, best-selling poet Wendy Cope and Kathryn Tickell and her Band.

International Purves Puppets bring their ultraviolet spectacular, Nessie The Loch Ness Monster to Ripon and on September 6, a special preview event sees Penny Plain Travelling Theatre come to Market Place

The festival runs from September 10 to October 2.
Details on 01765 605508 or at
www.riponinternationalfestival.com