Arts Diary: Will Marriott

Attracting new audiences into classical concerts isn't always easy. However, those behind Leeds International Orchestral Season might just have a secret weapon.

Next month, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra will arrive in the city and performing alongside them will be talented violinist Charlie Siem, who also happens to be a male model.

Having recently appeared in the pages of Italian Vogue, Tatler Magazine succinctly summed up the musician's draw, noting: "When model-fit violinist Charlie Siem is on the bill, female percentages of the audience rocket."

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The Cambridge graduate has also performed alongside Bryan Adams at the Royal Albert Hall and taken part in Vivienne Westwood's theatrical show Chaos Point, but it seems his looks haven't gone to his head.

"I love music so much," he said. "I'd go as far to say that music is my inspiration for everything. Playing is totally exhilarating."

Those who missed out on his last performance in the city in 2008 can catch him on Feb 6 at Leeds Town Hall. Tickets can be booked by calling 0113 224 3801 or online at www.leedsconcert season.com.

In the 1960s, Dudley Edwards was at the heart of the Pop Art movement.

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Responsible for iconic artwork and murals that appeared everywhere from Carnaby Street boutiques to Paul McCartney's "magic piano", the lad who grew up in Halifax established himself as one of the country's leading pop artists. Since then his work has appeared in major galleries around the world, from the Muse d'Histoire Contemporaine in Paris to New York's Whitney Museum of Art.

However, for the first time a one- man show of his work is due to go on display in his home town. The one-month exhibition launches at the Crossley Gallery, Dean Clough on Feb 8.

After returning to the big screen with Sherlock Holmes, director Guy Ritchie is branching out into music... and a Yorkshire accordionist could be the first to get his backing.

Ritchie recently announced he was to launch Punchbowl Records and with the label named after the pub he owns, it's perhaps no surprise that his first signing is the in-house band.

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The traditional Irish four-piece, which includes 24-year-old accordionist Daniel Gott, from York, regularly entertain the likes of Jude Law and Sting and with their debut album due out on

March 1 it is clear they have no shortage of celebrity backing. Justin Timberlake reportedly said: "Jamming with the guys was the best fun that I have ever had without a woman!"

And it seems Ritchie is not alone. Kaiser Chiefs drummer Nick Hodgson has also started his own record label, called Chewing Gum. Appropriately for the Leeds musician, the first signing are fellow Yorkshire band The Neat, from Hull. With Kaiser Chiefs having a mini-break, rumour has it Hodgson is also writing material for The Neat, before getting back with his bandmates later this year.

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