THE artistic director of Burton Bradstock Festival is hoping to set a new world record with his latest fundraising project.

Internationally renowned violinist David Juritz wants musicians around the globe to take to the streets for what promises to be one the biggest international events in the year’s musical calendar.

World Busk Day next month will raise money for the charity Musequality which Mr Juritz launched in 2007.

The organisation supports communal music projects for some of the poorest children in the developing world and has already been involved in several successful schemes in Africa and Asia.

Mr Juritz, who will be in Burton Bradstock this weekend to announce the village’s festival programme, said: “The aim of Musequality is not to produce professional musicians but to give vulnerable children the chance both to learn skills and gain the self confidence and self belief that will help them find a route out of poverty.”

To raise money for the charity’s next project, a music centre for homeless children in Goa, India, Mr Juritz came up with the idea of a World Busk. On Saturday, June 14, at noon, local time, amateur and professional musicians around the globe will take to the streets to raise funds for Musequality and hopefully gain a coveted world record.

Mr Juritz said: “We have already had a huge response, and a lot of interest from musicians in the Bridport area.

“We need anyone of any age who can play an instrument to join us on June 14. The can log on to our website, www.worldbusk.org for more information, to register and to get tips on how to keep safe when busking and keep within the law.”

Mr Juritz is leader of Britain’s oldest chamber orchestra, the London Mozart Players, he also leads orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, The Royal Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de Lille and has a busy solo career.

Dividing time between his professional engagements, Musequality and the Burton Bradstock Festival leads to a pretty hectic life, admits the famous musician.

He added: “That’s an understatement, but luckily I have an understanding family and I am fortunate because coming to beautiful Dorset for the Festival every August, accompanied by a world class group of musicians and enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the good people of Burton Bradstock leaves me energised.”

Mr Juritz will be giving a concert and announcing the 2009 festival programme at 7.30pm on Saturday, at the Village Hall Burton Bradstock. Accompanied by pianist Sophie Rahman, he will play a programme which includes pieces by Haydn, Mendelssohn, Albenus and Piazzola.

l For more details visit www.worldbusk.org or alternatively www.musequality.org Contact David Juritz david@juritz.com or telephone 020 8747 4869 – 07973 343314.