Classical music stars set to shine in Sunday Series grand finale

Not one, but two stellar names from the world of classical music will bring the curtain down on the 2026 Harrogate International Sunday Series in celebratory style later this month.

Anastasia Feruleva, hailed as one of the most promising cellists of her generation, and prize-winning pianist Frank van de Laar, will perform at the Old Swan Hotel on 19 April, in a special grand finale.

Their recital caps yet another dazzling season of coffee morning concerts that has brought some of the most dynamic names in classical music to North Yorkshire, underlining Harrogate International Festivals’ reputation for delivering world class music events.

The final chamber music concert of this year’s Sunday Series sees this renowned duo exploring the unique and evocative relationship between the cello and piano.

The pair – who are travelling to the UK especially for this recital – will perform a thrilling programme that includes Mendelssohn’s Song without Words Opus 109, his last work for cello and piano, Chopin’s Introduction and Polonaise Brillante Op.3, one of the Polish composer’s first published compositions, and Argentine-born Astor Piazzolla’s acclaimed Le Grand Tango, a single movement piece that blends traditional tango rhythms and jazz-inspired syncopation.

Their recital will also include three works by Fauré, along with pieces by three more classical music luminaries – Schubert, Saint-Saëns and Schumann.

Anastasia’s captivating stage presence was honed during her early performances across her home country. Now based in the Netherlands, the renowned cellist continues to flourish earning praise for her “convincing, passionate and captivating interpretations” (Frankfurter Zeitung). 

Frank’s musical versatility, recognised in numerous international competitions, has seen him perform around the world, and he now has more than 35 acclaimed recordings to his name.

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “I can’t think of a better way to round off another thrilling Sunday Series than with Anastasia and Frank – two brilliant and unmissable performers.

“Once again, these unique recitals have showcased the talents of some of the world’s most gifted, boundary-shaping musicians, a reminder that Harrogate is a spiritual home for classical music in the North.

“This is the first of our classical music programming in 2026. Tickets for this summer’s HACS Harrogate Music Festival are now on sale, so there are many more fantastic performances still to come.”

Anastasia Feruleva & Frank van de Laar | Cello & Piano | Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate | 19 April, 11am. Book online at harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or call the box office on 01423 562 303.