sound:

Musicians from around the world will be flocking to the north-east next week to take part in an annual music festival. The final preparations are being made for the Sound festival, which begins on Tuesday and will run until November 17. More than 80 public events will be held at venues across the north-east. The broad-ranging programme includes a number of workshops and master classes.

A festival spokeswoman said: "This year's programme is much bigger in the number of events. It's not just public performances, there is a whole programme of educational opportunities.

"The Sound festival is about engaging people from schools and communities. It's about giving people the opportunity to experience the making of music for themselves, to take part rather than sitting and listening."

One of the highlights of the festival will be a four-day saxophone event for professionals and amateurs, led by some of the country's best musicians. Schools in the north-east will be treated to a range of workshops, including lessons from soprano Sarah Leonard.

Now in its fourth year, the festival will once again feature a number of world premiers of classical music. Aberdeen's Lemon Tree venue will be taken over by five internationally renowned musicians for an electroacoustic performance on November 15. Renowned Scottish composer James MacMillan this year lent his support to the festival by becoming a patron.