THE old and new meet in perfect harmony as Lake District Summer Music celebrates its 25th birthday.

Recognised by many as one of the top three festivals of its kind in the UK, it runs from Saturday, August 1, until Saturday, August 15.

LDSM stages concerts, workshops, summer schools and masterclasses, reaching 13 towns and villages across Cumbria - from Kirkby Lonsdale to Penrith, Keswick to Ulverston.

Once again drawing top international musicians and groups, LDSM senior executive officer Andrew Lucas said more than 10,000 people are due to attend LDSM’s offering of thrilling concerts in inspiring locations - and no doubt give the region a economic boost in the bargain.

Chamber music is at the very centre of the LDSM and for 22 out of the 25 years, the Chilingirian String Quartet has played its part.

A role recognised by LSDM founder and artistic director Renna Kelloway, who was in the spotlight herself recently picking up her MBE for services to music.

“I can’t believe it’s already 25 years. It’s been building up year on year ever since we launched the festival with a concert in Ambleside Parish Church.

“The Chilingirians have been one of the mainstays of LDSM ever since – always inspiring in their performances, and generous in their teaching.”Other LDSM favourites such as the Kuss Quartet, pianist Carole Presland and one of Britain’s leading cellists, Robert Cohen, also return for the prestigious 2009 event.

As for the new, the 16-day festival offers the opportunity to hear some of the best emerging professional talent from around the world such as Argentinian pianist Nelson Goerner and award-winning stylish Italian outfit Trio di Parma, which will light up Penrith Methodist Church on Friday, August 7 with its chamber delights.

Not fogetting, new initiatives such as Music India in partnership with Milapfest, in Liverpool, bringing internationally distinguished Indian classical music to Cumbria, the first on August 1, at 11am at Ambleside Parish Centre, performed by three outstanding musicians - Jayanthi Kumaresh, Gaurav Mazumdar and Anuradha Pal.

Later, at 8pm, there’s a real stunner staged at Ulverston’s Coronation Hall, which sees one of the region’s most popular musical figures back on the podium to conduct - Denis McCaldin.

To mark the bicentary of Haydn’s death, LDSM presents some of the composer’s greatest works under the authoriative baton of Denis, who is the director of the Haydn Society. The Coro concert also features top young trumpteer Tracey Redfern; soprano, Lesley-Jane Rogers; mezzo-soprano, Clare McCaldin; tenor, Darren Abrahams, and bass voice, Simon Preece.

Also, among the 50-plus musical events will be outstanding violinist, Leland Chen, and his duo partner, distinguished pianist, John Lenehan, on hand for a Celebrity Morning Recital at Ambleside Parish Church on Thursday, August 6 (11am).

And, with contrasting virtuosity, Chaconne Brass performs From Brass to Beyond at Kendal Town Hall on Friday, August 7.

And the list goes on...

Tickets are available online from www.ldsm.org.uk, or from the box office on 08456-44-21-44.