The National Museum in Zurich is echoing to the sound of music with a string of evening concerts performed by Swiss and international artists.

Monday's highlight will be an appearance by the Spanish soprano Monserrat Caballé, who will be singing material from Puccini, Bizet, Rossini, and other classical composers.

The museum's inner courtyard is the setting for the "Live at Sunset" music festival, which runs until the end of the month. The event, now in its seventh year, features classical, jazz and rock music.

Swiss musicians will be in the limelight on July 27, with two Bernese rock bands, Züriwest, and Polo Hofer and his "SchmetterBand". Both groups made a name for themselves in the late eighties and early nineties, singing songs in dialect.

International flavour

Senegal's Youssou N'Dour, who recently participated in the opening ceremony of Switzerland's national exhibition, Expo.02, will bring his African rhythms to the museum on July 24.

Roxy Music's former lead singer, Brian Ferry, makes a long-awaited return to Switzerland, presenting songs from his latest album, "Frantic", on the July 25. While versatile vocalist Bobby McFerrin joins the Cuban group, Vocal Sampling, on July 26.

Three musical heavyweights complete the programme at the National Museum. Unfortunately for fans who don't already have tickets, the concerts are already sold out.

Supertramp, on the comeback trail, will be on stage on July 23; Italy's Zucchero appears on two consecutive nights - July 28 and 29; while Joe Cocker closes the festival on July 30.

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