Music lovers in the Isle of Man will be able to hear a performer who is regarded as the finest viola player in the world at a recital at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin this evening.

Yuri Bashmet, president of the Lionel Tertis International Viola Festival and Competition, will be on stage in the Isle of Man Bank auditorium accompanied by Xenia Bashmet, piano.

His programme will include music by Beethoven, Benjamin Britten and Shostakovich.

A viola solo and ensemble performer, conductor, teacher and artist known all over the world he is described as 'undoubtedly' the first and foremost person in the viola profession.

Following on from Lionel Tertis himself, he is said to be one of the few viola players who is destined to open new horizons for future generations.

Mr Bashmet has given solo recitals and performances with the best orchestras and conductors on famous world stages and has given master classes in the most prestigious conservatoires all over the world.

Among his artistic ideas, one of the most interesting 'Bashmet ones' is the Moscow International Viola Competition, the first one of which was held in Moscow in 1993.

Mr Bashmet continues as chairman of the competition while Dr John Bethell, director of the Tertis festival, has been invited to be a member of the jury at each event since.

Yuri Bashmet has held the role of president at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition since 1994 and is known to regard Port Erin as the viola capital of the world.

In a message to competitors, Mr Bashmet said: "The main thing that will always be remembered is the atmosphere of cordiality and hospitality in Port Erin, your new friends, the joy of creative communication and, of course, music."

Xenia Bashmet graduated from the Moscow State Conservatory , where she also studied accompaniment and has won many prizes and awards, appearing at many international festivals.

As a soloist she has appeared throughout Europe, the USA, Japan and Israel and in her own country of Russia.

Limited tickets for the recital are available in advance from the box office at the Erin Arts Centre, telephone 01624 832662 although these are quickly selling out.

Today will see the conclusion of the third stage of the competition with the recital being followed by the announcement of the eight semi-finalists.

This year's festival received 96 entries from 27 countries. The first round, held in London at the Royal Overseas League, saw Dr Bethell and the initial jury spending a very full two days listening to DVDs submitted by competitors which the jury remarked had been a delight to listen to.

Forty four competitors from 17 countries were accepted to travel to the Isle of Man.

Running alongside the competition during the day in St Catherine’s Church, Port Erin, are sessions led by the distinguished viola player Louise Lansdown, comprising lectures, masterclasses and a viola ensemble class.

The festival is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council whose chairman, Geoff Corkish MLC said: "The Arts Council has a long association with the Erin Arts Centre and is proud to provide support for events held here.

"The team here have a long established history of ensuring opportunities for audiences and participants to experience world class entertainment and varied creative activities.

"I welcome all of the competitors to the Isle of Man and wish all of them success. I hope that the Lionel Tertis International Viola Festival continues to flourish, attracting international musicians and delighting audiences."