Some of the most exciting young viola players from across the globe will be playing in the 12th Lionel Tertis international viola festival at the Erin Arts Centre.
Music lovers will also be able to enjoy exquisite recitals by members of the jury who are themselves among the leading viola players in the world, all for £10 for each performance.
Festival director Dr John Bethell said: ‘There will be nowhere else on the planet where there will be such an outstanding gathering of the finest viola players.
‘Whatever your taste you should not miss the opportunity to visit at least one recital to hear their outstanding music here in the Isle of Man.’
The gala series begins tomorrow (Sunday) with a recital by Sarah-Jane Bradley, accompanied by John Lenehan (both UK).
She was on the 2013 jury, and in January recorded early 20th century British viola concertos written for Lionel Tertis with the Halle.
Monday (March 14) will feature Wing Ho, one of the most influential and respected violists and teachers in China, and Caroline Dowdle (UK).
On Tuesday (March 15) the recital will be given by Garth Knox (Ireland) accompanied by Louise Lansdown (UK).
He plays across Europe, the USA and Japan and is also much in demand for theatre, dance and film scores.
Wednesday night is president’s night with Yuri Bashmet accompanied by Xenia Bashmet (both Russia).
Said to be the pre-eminent viola player of the modern age, he has motivated leading composers to expand the repertoire with significant new music.
Thomas Riebl (Austria) and Sophia Rahman (UK) round off the celebrity series on Thursday (March 16).
He has appeared with leading orchestras including the Chicago and Vienna Symphony orchestras and with conductors such as Claudio Abbado and Andrew Davies.
Limited tickets for the recitals are available in advance from the EAC box office, call 832662.
The competition semi-finals are open to the public for just £5.
The final and prize-giving, attended by Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood on Saturday, March 19, is £10.
The festival is sponsored by the Isle of Man Arts Council.
All young string players on the island can attend any festival event for free.