Norfolk & Norwich Festival returns this May with a world-class programme of classical and choral music.

On Saturday 11 May, get under the skin of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 – Eroica, whose defiant opening chords mark the arrival of the Romantic symphony. The renowned Aurora Orchestra perform entirely from memory and stripped of music stands, so audiences will be able to enjoy a fabulously intimate performance in the atmospheric surrounds of Norwich Cathedral.

‘Renegade’ harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani has a trio of performances at the Festival. His first, at the Octagon Chapel in Norwich on Thursday 23 May, is a solo programme featuring two war-horse works of the harpsichord repertoire by Rameau and Buxtehude.

Making their debut in England, the dazzling voices of Chamber Choir Ireland bring the very best of contemporary choral music to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Wednesday 22 May with a programme featuring work by Arvo Pärt, Cassandra Miller and Caroline Shaw.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival runs from Friday 10 – Sunday 26 May. To see the full programme and book tickets, visit www.nnfestival.org.uk