The Britten–Pears Young Artist Programme offers a range of courses and opportunities for young, emerging musicians which help to launch them into professional life.

A number of these courses, particularly Lieder and song courses and chamber music, have masterclass sessions which are open to the public. These sessions provide a fascinating insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes when preparing a musical performance. Our distinguished guest teachers, all of whom have significant international careers, give direction on technical points, interpretation and presentation, for example. Sessions are very relaxed and informal, and students are encouraged to experiment, rather than necessarily produce a 'polished' performance.

The following courses will have public masterclasses:

· Baroque Chamber Music with Margaret Faultless, Katharina Arfken and Steven Devine (13-17 June)
· Schubert Lieder with Christian Gerhaher (6-13 July)
· Italian Opera Arias with Sherrill Milnes (23-30 July)
· Handel Oratorio with Michael Chance (8-17 August)
· 32nd International Academy of String Quartets with Isabel Charisius and Alasdair Tait (2-11 September)

For more information about each of the above, please click on courses.

Masterclass dates are indicated for each course, but note that each course may include a day off. Although schedules change from course to course there are usually two public sessions each afternoon at 2pm-4pm and 4.30pm-6pm. Please check times closer to the day by phoning 01728 688671 or going to www.aldeburgh.co.uk.

Please note that orchestral and opera courses are not normally open to the public due to space restrictions in our rehearsal room.

Tickets cost £3 per class, £10 for 4 classes and £20 for 10 classes. They can be booked prior to the start of the course through Aldeburgh Music's Box Office on 01728 687110, and will also usually be available at the door.

End-of-course recitals

The majority of course performances will appear in the relevant Aldeburgh Music seasonal booking brochure. However, the following end of course recitals will be on sale at the Box Office from February 2008:

· Schubert Lieder - 13 July 2008
· Italian Opera Arias - 30 July 2008
· Handel Arias Recital - 16 August 2008
· International Academy of String Quartets - 11 September 2008

For further information contact the Box Office 01728 687110 or visit www.aldeburgh.co.uk