Camerata Pacifica begins its tour with a gala concert and dinner in Los Angeles this April, attended by representatives of the British and Irish governments.

This will kick off the 2008 Messenger Project tour, sponsored by Tourism Ireland.

Dates in Northern Ireland include St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast and the Guild Hall in Londonderry, as well as the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

Newtownards-born flute player Adrian Spence founded Camerata Pacifica in Santa Barbara on May 21 1990 - his birthday.

Commenting on the tour announcement and sponsorship deal, he said: "This is a very special moment in the history of Camerata Pacifica because we are getting a chance to use music as a medium of engagement to celebrate peace and prosperity in the new Ireland - north and south.

"We have all the vital ingredients for a fabulous celebration - the active support of the Irish and British governments, the world-class talent of a unique group of American and Irish musicians and the best venues in the US, Ireland and Britain."

The group's performances will be headlined by performances of The Messenger Concerto for violin and chamber ensemble by Belfast-born composer Ian Wilson.

The work is one of three pieces written specially for Camerata Pacifica by Ian. the soloist in the concerto is Catherine Leonard, a native of Co Cork who is principal violinist for Camerata.

Details about the tour and Camerata Pacifica are available on www.cameratapacifica.org .