BUILDING on the resounding success of 2001 - a record year for attendance - and with a national reputation for artistic excellence, Ripon International Festival has announced its most ambitious and exciting programme to date for September.

Headed by its charismatic conductor and artistic director, Janusz, the festival goes from strength to strength, attracting audiences from all over Britain.

The opening event is the energetic and powerful Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, a hugely popular act throughout Europe and Japan.

Ripon Cathedral is the setting for two major concerts: the Orchestra of Opera North in an epic programme of symphonies by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky and, for the grand finale, Leeds Philharmonic Chorus and Northern Sinfonia in Mozart's sublime Requiem and Linz Symphony.

Rising stars in the jazz firmament, Las Meninas, featuring the honey-voiced Monica Vasconceles are from Brazil; Spain is represented by the Eduardo Niebla Guitar Duo and Russia by the innovative young organist, Ekaterina Melnikova.

There are two concerts by candlelight in village churches and a performance at the mediaeval manor house, Markenfield Hall, by the actress Rohan Mccullough based on Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain. Enchanting puppet shows, art exhibitions and historic churches tours complete the picture.

Locally-based companies, including Ripon Select Foods, Lishman Sidwell Campbell & Price, Thackray Quest, The Potter Group, Severfield-Reeve Projects and Teleware are the sponsors.

To join mailing list for festival brochure ring the festival office on 01765 605508 or look at the web site www.riponinternationalfestival.com. The brochure will be available in June.