The countdown has begun to the 2022 Tetbury Music Festival.

The box office has just opened for the festival which takes place during the first week of October. The majority of concerts take place in the beautiful parish church of St Mary's although the festival includes other venues from time to time.

The 2022 festival includes an evening with one of the world's most popular clarinettists Julian Bliss, with exemplary pianist Charles Owen; an upbeat and varied recital from saxophonist Manu Brazo with pianist Prajna Indrawati; the talented young Consone Quartet, who are the first period instrument quartet to be selected as BBC New Generation Artists, and who will perform a programme of Haydn, Mozart and Mendelessohn.

Leading Italian ensemble La Fonte Musica makes a much anticipated return to the UK under the direction of Michele Pasotti, with a programme of music by early Renaissance composer Guillaume Dufay. This performance marks a rare opportunity to enjoy a live UK performance from this world-class ensemble.

Finally, The Orchestra of St John's conducted by John Lubbock, will close the festival with a programme of Elgar, Mozart, Walton and Haydn.

In addition to the concert series, the festival offers a selection of insightful lectures to guide the listener through each evening performance. This year, it welcomes esteemed novelist, author and TV host Sarah Dunant for a lecture on the rebirth of creativity in Renaissance Italy, which will precede La Fonte Musica's exploration of Dufay in Italy.

Later in the festival, Professor Natasha Loges explores the world of clarinet chamber music before the Julian Bliss concert. On the final day, the erudite writer of the festival's programme notes, Brian David, examines the relationships between Elgar, Mozart, Walton and Haydn, before the concert given by The Orchestra of St John's.

Click here  to see the full offering of the festival's concerts and lectures and plan your tickets for the festival week..

Tetbury Music Festival director Caz Weller Knight said: "I hope you will agree that we have a wonderful and even intriguing line-up of musicians and lecturers for this year's festival, and that we shall see you in beautiful Tetbury at the start of October.

"It is the perfect time to adjust from summer days behind us to winter evenings ahead by seeing our musical friends, and together supporting the arts in our beautiful part of the world."

The festival website address is www.tetburymusicfestival.org  open 24 hours a day for choosing your seats and booking your tickets. 

The telephone box office number is 0333 666 3366, open 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday (please note there is a charge of £2.00 for this option).