Born in Germany in 1967, Scholl (right) was brought up on a diet of Mozart and Schubert, receiving his formal education at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, an early music conservatoire in Basel.

His specialty is Baroque music. Describing himself as a 'singer who does opera' rather than an opera singer, Scholl has sung major Handel roles, including Bertarido in Rodelinda and the title role in Giulio Cesare.

Handel wrote these roles for the great 18th centruy alto castrato Senesino, whose vocal range was similar to that of Scholl. Since his performance at the Grevin Theatre in Paris in 1993, Scholl has been delighting audiences with his wonderful voice, leading to his being awarded the 2006 Classical Brit Singer of the Year Award.

This is an unmissable opportunity to see a great artist.

Keeping with Belfast Festival, Austrian violinist Benjamin Schmid appears at the Sonic Arts Research Centre on November 1 and by all accounts, it should be a stunner of a show.

Born in 1968, Schmid studied in Salzburg, Vienna, and Philadelphia. He is highly regarded for his dazzling technique and the broad repertoire he draws upon. A truly global performer, Schmid gained international prominence following his success at the 1992 Carl Flesch Competition where he won the Mozart Prize, the Beethoven Prize, and the Audience Prize. I think we can take it that he's good.

Another Festival highlight has to be cult band The Necks who perform in the Sonic Arts Research Centre on November 2 - unfortunately at the same time as Andreas Scholl's performance in the Grand Opera House!

Comprised of musicians Chris Abrahams, Tony Buck, and Lloyd Swanton, The Necks are one of the most respected acts in Australia, experimenting with every kind of music from pop to avant-garde. The group has released 13 albums to date. Featuring long, slowly developing pieces of music, often with catchy grooves, The Necks are a group that will turn heads.

Box office for all of the above: 9024 1919.