TO lovers of the music of Schubert there could be nothing better in the world than a whole weekend devoted to the composer. Liszt called him the most poetic composer ever and his 600 songs add to that accolade in addition to the piano sonatas and myriad of chamber music that fills the repertoire of concert halls around the wiorld.

Now Rhosygilwen are upholding a well established European tradition and putting on West Wales’ first ever Schubertiade. The inspiration for this came from Llyr Williams over a breakfast conversation with the assertion that such an iconic event would put Rhosygilwen on the musical map for Wales. The response to this first event has been tremendous with people travelling from the continent for it. The calibre of the artists that have agreed to appear is formidable with Llyr himself in the lead, The Allegri String Quartet, Britain’s most long running chamber music ensemble, The John S Davies Singers and Paul Carey Jones.

The original Schubertiade was a diverse and informal affair filled with music, poetry and storytelling. During Schubert's lifetime, these events were unadvertised gatherings, held at private homes. While in those years many Schubertiades included the composer's participation, this was not necessary, and they were sometimes held in places other than Vienna, where Schubert spent most of his life.

The programme starts on Friday at 7.30 pm with two of Schubert’s piano sonatas, followed on Saturday (7.30pm) with The Allegri String Quartet playing Schubert’s famous quintet with two cellos. The Penfro poets also make an appearance with a few poems inspired by The Winterreise which features on Sunday sung by the baritone Paul Carey Jones and accompanied by Llyr Williams. The John S Davies choir perform an afternoon concert of Schubert’s choral compositions and there are talks by musicologist John Hugh Thomas.

Lunch (12-2pm) bookings for Sunday and preconcert dinners on Friday (6-7pm) and Saturday (6-7pm) can be made by calling 01239841387. Tickets and further information are on Rhosygilwen.co.uk.