Judith Weir, one of Britain’s most highly acclaimed composers, will share some of her secrets ahead of a weekend concert premiering works by young North-east composers.
Aberdeen-born Judith will be on hand at the AIYF Compose workshops at the University of Aberdeen on Saturday (Oct 25) to pass on her knowledge to four musical youngsters from across the region.
They will be joined by The Alba Quartet, the Scottish-based ensemble fast establishing itself as one of the country's premier quartets.
The workshops – a collaboration between the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and University of Aberdeen Music Prize – are the forerunner to a free concert which will be held in King's College Chapel at 6pm on Saturday.
New works by the young composers will be performed by the Alba Quartet, with one selected for a further performance at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in 2009.
The evening will also feature short pieces written for flute by local composers, which will have been workshopped earlier in the day by internationally renowned flautist Roberto Fabbriciani as part of the sound festival Composers' Day.
Dr Paul Mealor, Director of the University of Aberdeen Music Prize said: "This is a unique competition and concert for young composers from the North-east and, yet again, we have been impressed by the level of talent on show.
"We're also delighted to welcome such a leading figure as Judith Weir back to the North-east and to have the Alba Quartet onboard for what is an absolutely invaluable learning experience in these young composers' musical careers."