TURNER Sims’ year of firsts, launched in the autumn, continues this spring with two world premieres, the launch of a new Associate Artists programme and a raft of debutantes.

Alongside first time visits from pianists Gabriela Montero and Conrad Tao, Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré, and saxophonist Marius Neset there is a first performance: Jonathan Dove’s new work, commissioned by Turner Sims and inspired by the tale of the Pied Piper, will be performed by clarinettist Emma Johnson and 100 young recorder players at the end of March.

The spring also sees the return of Turner Sims favourites Trevor Pinnock, the Neil Cowley Trio and Lunasa.

Enjoy events linked to London 2012 from Turner Sims: the world premiere of composer Sally Beamish’s work Spinal Chords, one of the 20 x 12 commissions, and Southampton’s Musical Alphabet, a 26-hour musical cornucopia taking place at Turner Sims and locations across Southampton as part of the BBC’s Music Nation weekend.

New associate artists The London Sinfonietta, Tomorrow’s Warriors and the Elias String Quartet will be regular visitors over the next three years with a range of concert and outreach activity.

The programme of Turner Sims newcomer Venezuelan artist Gabriela Montero includes an opportunity to hear some of her classical improvisations and Conrad Tao whose extraordinary talent belies his age of 17 .

Spring jazz brings a celebration of Great Britons with projects of all shapes and sizes, from John Surman’s much anticipated new solo saxophone project to bassist Gary Crosby’s latest creation, the 16-piece Nu Civilisation Orchestra.

In between there’s another great Briton – legendary saxophonist Courtney Pine – as guest with Southampton Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Journeys of all kinds feature in the spring programme beginning with one of the most fateful of all time: the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic is marked by the ten-strong White Star Line- Up.

Elsewhere, Cuba’s Sierra Maestra, Mali’s Vieux Farka Touré and an all-star line-up from Madagascar represent three countries with a strong and distinctive musical heritage and influence.