TALENTED musicians and composers from across the world are heading to Cumnock Tryst.

The 2017 Festival features a number of works commissioned by and for the event, which will get underway with an opening concert on the evening of Thursday, September 28 in Cumnock Town Hall.

This will bring together the acclaimed Scottish Ensemble with the renowned percussionist Colin Currie in a performance of a new work co-commissioned from David Maric, who will also perform in the piece.

Dalmellington Band make a welcome return to the Tryst performing with the virtuoso Wallace Collection in the Old Cumnock Church at 2pm on Saturday, September 30.

Martyn Brabbins, ENO Artistic Director, will return to his musical roots for the concert — he began his musical life as a trombone and euphonium player with the Towcester Studio Brass Band, not only conducting, but also writing music for brass bands.

Artistic director Sir James MacMillan said: “I am particularly pleased to welcome Martyn Brabbins to Cumnock. Now ENO Artistic Director, Martyn, like me, began his musical career as a brass band player.

“We are looking forward to the concert in which he will not only conduct the Dalmellington Band, but will premiere pieces he has written specially for a brass band.

“The Festival Chorus is such an integral part of our project in both the musical and social sense, and we have big plans going forward.

“Genesis Sixteen, the training academy of The Sixteen, are also now a firm feature and we are especially pleased to have four of the young singers with us this year.

“Eamonn Dougan will once again conduct our Festival Chorus concert.”

Sir James will also experience a return to his roots, when the Westminster Cathedral choir play in the Tryst.

He said: “I have written a number of works for this incredible choir and I am delighted to welcome them to my old church of St John’s, where I played the organ as a teenager.

“They sing my Seven Last Words beautifully and they will be joined by the string ensemble for whom I wrote the piece.”

One of the most popular events from the inaugural festival has also been brought back.

“We will have a Come and Sing day on Saturday, June 17 which will be led by our chorus master, Andrew McTaggart.

“Everyone is invited to come along and join us for a day of classical and contemporary repertoire in a relaxed and fun atmosphere,” Sir James added.

Visit www.thecumnocktryst.com for more information.