Following the tragic death earlier this year of the inspirational multi-instrumentalist and composer Martyn Bennett, a benefit concert in his memory is to be held at the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, on 15 April at 7.30pm.

Organised by some of those who were closest to Martyn, the evening will be a unique celebration of his life and work. The programme will feature new versions or interpretations of Martyn’s own music, together with artists and styles that inspired him, or were influenced by him in turn. In keeping with Martyn’s passion for transcending boundaries, a diverse array of musical genres will be represented, with many performers appearing in new collaborative line-ups for the occasion

All proceeds from the concert will be divided between Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Bethesda Hospice on the Isle of Lewis, and the Martyn Bennett Trust, a new memorial fund aimed at supporting and encouraging young musicians who share Martyn’s vision of music as an agent of human connectedness across cultures.

Among the artists confirmed so far are Fred Morrison, one of Martyn’s favourite pipers; Capercaillie’s Karen Matheson and Donald Shaw; the great traditional singer Sheila Stewart, who appeared on his last album Grit, and top young folk/fusion band Croft No. Five. From the jazz world, the acclaimed Trio AAB, joined by guests including singer Gina Rae and flute/whistle ace Brian Finnegan, will be performing part of Tom Bancroft’s composition Multi-Story Karma Park, in tribute to Martyn’s role in its 1997 premiere.

The programme will also feature Martyn’s mother Margaret Bennett, dancer Jillian Thomson, who will perform a new short work based on Martyn’s music, and an ensemble from the specialist music school at Edinburgh’s Broughton High, which Martyn attended as a teenager. They will be performing his composition Mackay’s Memoirs, originally commissioned for the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. The same piece will also be heard in a radically different version, remixed as part of a set from DJ Dolphin Boy, who toured with Martyn a few years ago.

Compering duties will be shared between Gaelic singer Mary Anne Kennedy, of Radio Scotland’s Celtic Connections programme, and Annie Reed from Peter Gabriel’s RealWorld label, with whom Martyn made Grit. Other key RealWorld representatives are also expected to attend, with more special guests to be announced.

“Martyn’s loss has been deeply felt not only throughout the music scene in Scotland, but all around the world,” says his agent, Lisa Whytock. “The aim of this concert is both to remember him, in a spirit of celebration, and to build on the unique musical legacy he has left us.”

Tickets for this very special event, price £15, are available from the Queen’s Hall box office on 0131 668 2019, or at www.thequeenshall.net. Early booking is recommended.