GERMAN cellist Benedict Kloeckner opens Harrogate International Festivals’ Sunday Series of chamber music concerts this weekend at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.

Now in its 25th year, the series has built a legacy of bringing classical musical talent from around the world to Harrogate, and on this occasion Kloeckner will be joined by Japanese pianist Momo Kodama.

Their 11am recital features a rare combination of these two world-class musicians playing Schumann and Chopin. Kloeckner says Sunday's audience can expect "a variety of emotions, ranging from moments of pure beauty and magic to moments of absolute despair" in works that "move in a very deep way".

"I am really happy to play these pieces with Momo Kodama; she is one of the most outstanding pianists of our time," he adds. "A real poet on the piano, her wide range of sound colours and noble delicate approach never ceases to amaze and touch me."

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Kloeckner will be performing for the first time in Harrogate and is looking forward to visiting and discovering the North Yorkshire spa town.

Born in 1989, the 28 year old first fell in love with the cello at the age of eight when his brother began playing in a piano trio and his job was to turn the music pages. His devotion is complete, citing his cello as his most valued material possession. "It's a very beautiful instrument from the 17th century," he says.

A fan of The Smiths, The Beatles and Adele, as well as Schubert and Chopin, Kloeckner was encouraged by strong mentors, such as András Schiff, to pursue a career in music.

The first cellist who inspired him was Jaqueline du Pré with her recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto. "It's a piece of music that never ceases to move me deeply," he says.

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For those who might be intimidated by classical music, how would Kloeckner convince new audiences to attend on Sunday? "Firstly, I would show them some cool classical YouTube videos and then tell them that neither a suit nor detailed musicologist knowledge is required to come to the concert," he says.

"However, no words can convince as well as the music itself, so I would just ask them to come and give it a try with the optimism that they will enjoy it and return."

Tickets for Kloeckner and Kodama are on sale at harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or on 01423 562303. The Sunday Series also will welcome Scottish pianist Steven Osborne on February 18; the highly anticipated, already sold-out return of Scottish superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti on March 4; The Albion Quartet, featuring violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen, playing Dvorák works on March 18 and 2014 BBC Young Musician of the Year Martin James Bartlett for an April 15 piano recital.

In her rare intimate solo recital, Benedetti will present works by Bach and Ysaÿe and a new work for solo violin written for her by jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.