ONE of the country's foremost violinists will be returning to his North-East hometown to follow up a successful classical show.

Jonny Rye, who trained first on the piano and then violin, and had public performances from the age of six in Consett, County Durham, plays at the town's Empire Theatre at 7.30pm, on Friday, March 21.

He studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, excelling in chamber music and as a soloist, before graduating with honours.

He has worked with the Halle and Northern Sinfonia orchestras and was principal violinist with the British Youth Opera Company.

In 1999, Jonny began taking his enthusiasm for classical music to new venues, reaching a public that would not normally have a regular experience of the classical favourites played live.

Supported by the Palm String Quartet when he appears at Consett, Jonny will play pieces from his debut album, Let Me Serenade You.

The special guest soprano is Jane Lawson, who was born in Consett, and still lives in County Durham where she works as a teacher.

The event will be compered by Paddy McDee. Tickets are £7 and £5 for concessions. To book, call (01207) 218220.