Manchester Pride will launch its first ever chamber music series on the 18 August in Studio 7 at the BBC on Oxford Road.

The series of lunchtime concerts will explore the role of music in the struggles for equality around the world.

Internationally renowned pianist Stephen Coombs and BBC Radio 3 producer Les Pratt have devised five concerts reflecting music of protest, alongside pieces written by gay and lesbian composers.

Performers for the series include the fantastic and well-known tenor John Mark Ainsley, local-based guitarist Ed Billingham, the Symposia string quartet and a handful of young artists from the Royal Northern College of Music, as well as Stephen Coombs himself.

To mark the 150th anniversary of her birth, the concerts will also feature works by Dame Ethel Smyth, reflecting her activities both as a suffragette and formidable establishment lesbian.

Jackie Crozier, festival manager of Manchester Pride, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be adding yet another unique event to this year’s calendar. With new artists performing everyday there is something for everyone. I am particularly excited to see what the young local musicians will be performing.”

Manchester Prides chamber music event takes place between18- 22 August.

For more information about Manchester Pride, visit: www.manchesterpride.com