Classical: Delights from over the border.

THE Celebrity Concert Seasons of Clwyd Theatre Cymru which opens in two weeks on Sunday September 22 live up to its name more than ever. Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber appears on the opening night and includes not only the Debussy Sonata and that of Brahms in E minor, and, amongst a number of short pieces, his father William Lloyd Webber's Nocturne. Webber senior was not a prominent composer of his time, but his music is worthy of its revival by his son, and some works have been released on CD.

The clarinettist Emma Johnson is also on the Clwyd list (April 13) as is pianist Martin Roscoe, who in the perception of the public is one of the most undervalued artists around. His programme is a nice mixture of well known Beethoven and Debussy, with Mozart, Schubert and Chopin (March 16).

An intriguing night is that given by the Galcazzi Flute Quartet, who call their programme Views of Vienna. They play on period instruments Mozart, Schubert and Haydn (November 10) and will be in the intimate surroundings of the Clwyd Room. The programme is completed by the Elmer Piano Trio with Ravel and Brahms in February. Full details, including information about concession and discounts for the full concerts, is available from the Theatre (01352 755114) A more concentrated burst of culture occurs at St Asaph Cathedral starting a fortnight tomorrow. The North Wales International Music Festival, which this year celebrates its 30th birthday, begins with a celebration of founder William Mathias.

Notable visi-tors include the French pianist JeanPhillippe Collard, playing Debussy, Ravel and Mussorgski's Pictures from an Exhibition. Keyboard music of a different kind is provided by organist Christopher Herrick, who is noted for his Organ Fireworks records. He includes the spectacular Invocations, which Mathias wrote for the opening of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral 35 years ago.

The Lindsay String Quartet bring Haydn, Janacek and Beethoven for one of their rare forays into Wales, and critical Welsh ears should be inspired by The Sixteen, directed by Harry Christophers, who perform choral music by Purcell and Monteverdi.

Elgar is celebrated in the final concert by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under James Judd. The Cello Concerto is played by Paul Watkins and the BBC have wisely programmed the Second Symphony.

Welsh tenors Gwyn Hughes-Jones and Rhys Meirion appear, and baritone Jeremy Huw-Williams has an 11am recital of Welsh music, which includes the premier of John Pickford's The Boarders of Sleep.

Morning concerts also include a series of educational programmes for children by the string quartet Celticana, and there are services, lecturers and opportunities for young performers. While star names continue to form the back-bone, justifying its international title, the festival is becoming increasingly a focus on the music-making of the North Wales community.

Details from the festival office, High Street, St Asaph (01745 584508).