'Wales and the World' is the theme of a special Spring Concert being presented as a curtain raiser to this summer's Fishguard International Music Festival*.

The theme is highly apt, since the Festival has long prided itself on bringing the best musicians in the world to Wales, while also showcasing the finest talent the Principality has to offer.

Four very different musicians with strong Welsh connections have been lined up for the Spring Celebration Concert to be held on Friday, May 2nd at Ffwrn on Main Street, Fishguard.

Accordion wizard Jamie Smith is the tunesmith and lead singer with Mabon, one of Wales' most inventive acoustic bands who play a mix of Celtic and Balkan music.

Also becoming well known on the world music scene is Welsh-born Josh Doughty who has been playing the kora - the traditional West African harp - since the age of eight.

German-born pianist Immanuel Voigt studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. A talented and versatile musician, equally at home playing the classics or lighter works, he will be accompanying Welsh soprano Ellen Williams, who recently performed to great acclaim at the St David's Day celebrations in Washington, USA.

The four performers will be taking the stage in the attractive surroundings of Ffwrn - formerly St Mary's Church Hall in Fishguard- where cabaret style seating will add to the intimate atmosphere.

Tickets for the concert, which starts at 7:30 pm. cost £12.00 and are available from Ffwrn and Seaways Bookshop, Fishguard, or via http://www.fishguardmusicfestival.co.uk.