Following the success of last year’s Northern Chords, Watson Burton has announced that it is to once again sponsor the major North East chamber music festival.

Northern Chords, now in its second year, is to take place from Friday 19 March to Sunday 21 March 2010 and will showcase the finest young chamber musicians from the UK and beyond, many of whom have won prestigious international awards. The three concerts will take place at St Mary’s Church, Whickham, St. Andrew’s Church, Corbridge and The Sage, Gateshead, celebrating chamber music across the region.

The festival is the brainchild of 21-year-old musical protégé Jonathan Bloxham, from Whickham, Gateshead. Jonathan plays the Cello, is a member of the National Youth Orchestra and attends the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He performed his first concerto at the age of 11 and in 2002 was part of a string quartet which entertained Tony and Cherie Blair at 10 Downing Street.

Northern Chords will showcase some of the brilliant young singers and instrumentalists that Jonathan has met in London at the Royal College of Music, where he won the Cello Prize to add to other prestigious prizes and awards.

Watson Burton has become principal sponsor as part of their commitment to supporting charities and the arts. Senior Partner, Rob Langley said: “We are delighted to once again sponsor this unique event. Last year the festival was very well received and we were extremely impressed with those that participated, both the musicians and the organisers behind the scenes.

As a commercial law firm, we are passionate about supporting culture and arts within the region and believe that Northern Chords contributes greatly to the ongoing development of the North East into a leading centre for culture and diversity. We look forward to seeing what the talented young musicians have in store for us this year”          

To discover more about Northern Chords and purchasing tickets for the festival, please visit www.northernchords.co.uk     

Pictured (L - R) - Northern Chords Artistic Director, Jonathan Bloxham and Watson Burton's Senior Partner, Rob Langley