HIGHLIGHTS of next year’s Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival have been announced.

The classical programme will include Shakespeare’s Globe’s production of King Lear at Old Wardour Castle, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Salisbury Cathedral and Opera Project performing La Traviata at Salisbury Playhouse.

Invited guests were given a sneak preview of some of the festival’s most high profile events at a launch event in the Guildhall on Monday.

The festival will celebrate the vibrant arts of Catalunya and details of the full programme will be revealed on February 28.

The highlights for 2013 are:

• King Lear by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre at Old Wardour Castle, Tisbury

• Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with violinist and conductor Pinchas Zukerman performing Mozart’s Third Violin Concerto and Mahler's Fourth Symphony at Salisbury Cathedral

• Mark Padmore performing Schubert’s song cycle Die Wintereisse at Wilton Church

• Tallis Scholars bringing the theme of metamorphosis to Salisbury Cathedral

• Russian pianist Mikhail Rudy presenting Pictures at an Exhibition and Petrushka at Salisbury Playhouse

• Opera Project performing La Traviata.

Festival director Maria Bota said: “We look forward to revealing the full programme, including a celebration of the vibrant arts of Catalunya, in February.

"Today we announce six exciting highlights from the classical programme which will inspire audiences and transform glorious settings, from Old Wardour Castle to Wilton Church and Salisbury Cathedral.”

Barry Smith, chief executive of Ageas UK said: “We are delighted to continue to support the Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival for the second year as principal sponsor.

"The 2013 festival promises to be a spectacular event bringing the theme of Catalunya to life. We very much look forward to continuing to work with the festival team to make the 2013 Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival a success.”

Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival has also re-launched its website salisburyfestival.co.uk to improve marketing and give festival-goers a more interactive experience. Festival Friends can book tickets to six highlight events of the classical programme this week.

Booking opens to the general public on Tuesday, December 11. Festival Friends memberships can be bought at any time.

The 41st Salisbury International Arts Festival runs from Friday, May 24 until Saturday, June 8.