The Amersham Festival of Music returns this year for its 34th year with an eclectic music offering promising to please all patrons.

The spring programme will take place in venues across Buckinghamshire, including Amersham, Gerrards Cross and Little Chalfont.

It begins today (Friday, April 8) with Brahms' Violin Concerto played by the international virtuoso and first winner of the Yehudi Menuhin Violin Competition, Leland Chen.

Joining Leland will be the Amersham Festival Orchestra under the baton of musical director Iain Ledingham.

The festival runs until Saturday, April 30.

The closing night will see the Festival Orchestra joined by the South Bucks Choral Society for a performance of the infamous Brahms German Requiem.

Chairman of the festival, Jane Partridge, says: “From Brahms to Brubeck, the festival encapsulates the variety of music for all tastes. This wide ranging and imaginative programme is sure to be a musical highlight for people in Buckinghamshire and beyond.

“The quality with its international stars will be higher than it has ever been before and will delight even the most exacting ear.”

Amongst the noteworthy names is the son of legendary Dave Brubeck with the Darius Brubeck Quartet. Jane tells me: “His quartet will have just returned from a major tour of America having just had a sell out at Ronny Scott’s Club in London. He is a renowned teacher and composer who has contributed massively to jazz worldwide. The evening is sure to be another sell out.”

As well as performances, the festival will also offer classes such as masterclasses for opera singers, flutists and an interactive workshop into musical broadcasting with veteran broadcaster Peter Dorling: Music and Memories from the BBC.

There will also be dinners and wine tasting in accompaniment to some performances for a spectacular sensory experience.

The Amersham Musical Festival’s emphasis on the younger player and listener continues with the 2016 Festival. Programmes include a Young Artists Concert with the Watford Youth Sinfonia playing Schubert and Wagner and a Flute Master Class by the international flautist Jennifer Stinton for local young flautists.

Students of the Royal Academy will take part in a master Class for opera singers under the exacting eye of John Copley, a former long-time resident director at the Royal Opera House.

Various locations, Friday, April 8 until Saturday, April 30. Details: 0336 663366, amershamfestival.org