An alumni of Harrogate International Festivals’ Young Musician series in the 80s, Emma Johnson went on to global success as one of the UK’s biggest selling classical artists. The classical chart topping musician returns to the Festival that discovered her.

“It is always a pleasure to return,” Emma said. “The Harrogate audience is exceptionally warm and friendly plus you have the feeling that they really understand what you are doing. It is such a beautiful town.”

Emma will be playing a programme as part of the global celebrations marking the centennial of composer Leonard Bernstein.

“Bernstein is an amazing figure in 20th century music – not only a composer but also a pianist, conductor and lecturer too,” she said. “He also successfully bridged the gap between classical and popular music so that his music speaks to everyone. A truly inspirational figure.”

“As well as Bernstein’s sophisticated, urbane Clarinet Sonata we shall also play some numbers from West Side Story and I will talk about the composer’s life and ideas. I adore Bernstein’s “Riffs” which is why it is also featured in my recital. In the four minutes it lasts, it generates a thrilling energy: even though it is a composed piece it sounds spontaneously free. To offset Bernstein there will be classics of the classical clarinet repertoire by Schumann Brahms Copland and Rossini.”

As someone who became a BBC Young Musician at just 17, she’s passionate about inspiring new audiences: “The benefits of having music in your life are too well documented to ignore. Music has the power to take you to another world and to rejuvenate your spirit.”

Emma Johnson, Thursday 26 July, Royal Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets: £21