For the first time Watford Colosseum - the home of the BBC Concert Orchestra has launched its classical music season, which will see a line up of some of the most globally renowned artists coming to the town.

The season will start off with a performance from the Philharmonia Orchestra (March 5), led by conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy and will feature a performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto by rising star violinist Esther Yoo. The concert will also be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Finnish composer Sibelius.

Next up will be a performances by the legendary Nigel Kenney (April 19), who has transformed Vivaldi's The Four Season's into a stunning piece. He will also be showcasing his own pieces including the eclectic The English Collection.

The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra will be one of the first international orchestras to visit the Colosseum (Ocotber 18) and will star one of the UK's most distinguished violinists, Jennifer Pike. Following that will be a concert by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra (November 8). Led by music director Libor Peek their set will feature a performances of Dvorak's much loved New World Symphony.

Finally, highly acclaimed guitarists Miloš Karadagli? will be performing with the English Chamber Orchestra (December 13) to bring you a night of extraordinary music, from works by Bach to John Lennon. This gala evening follows the international release of Milos's recording Blackbird: The Beatles Album this month.

David Mowsfield, theatre director of Watford Colosseum, spoke at the launch on Tuesday of how the Colosseum is world-renowned for its' acoustic qualities. He said: "The Colosseum is a world-class concert and this is the first in many years we are putting on such an event. We are delighted to welcoming a range of world class artists.

"People don't often realise they are listening to orchestral music, particularly when it is part of the soundtrack to a film so something like this could be inspiring. Many of the events are free for children under 16 and it will be interesting to get them involved - the experience when you hear orchestral music live is life changing ."

Details: 01923 571102, watfordcolosseum.co.uk