Showcasing the talents of exceptional young musicians from the UK and America, in diverse and inspirational programmes, is the philosophy behind the International Youth Music Festival, the brainchild of violinist and former Oxford resident Erika Miranda.

All week, youngsters from a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience have been working with professional musicians Chris Windass, Peter Adams, Caroline Balding and Simon Dearsley, and from Sunday you can hear the results in three different programmes in the delightful settings of Blenheim Palace, University Church and Christ Church Cathedral. The repertoire ranges from familiar pieces such as Schubert’s Trout Quintet, Summer from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Mozart’s Laudate Dominum, to less familiar works by composers such as Horovitz and Turina.

“They’re pieces that we feel are the richest pieces we can find, and suitable for the group they’re assigned to,” says Erika. “It’s repertoire they can achieve at whatever level they’re at, and showcase what they can do.”

The cross-cultural environment is important. She says: “As a musician, I’ve travelled around a lot, and the international experiences I had contributed so much to music making. I really wanted to pass that on to students. It’s going to be a life-enhancing experience for them and the audience. And it’s going to be incredibly exhilarating. They’re so excited to meet each other. They’re highly motivated, and that really comes across in the music.”

Concerts include A Summer’s Reverie at Blenheim (Sunday, 2pm), Chamber Music Gala (University Church, Wednesday, 7.30pm) and Orchestra and Vocal Masterpieces Finale (Christ Church Cathedral, Thursday, 7.30pm). Tickets on the door. For more information, visit www.YouthMusicInternational.com