World-class musicians will grace the stage in Hexham over the next six months, with a new series of classical concerts from Hexham and District Music Society.

Chairman of the society Martin Hughes said: “This year’s series gives local audiences the chance to hear live performances by world-class musicians of music ranging from classics by Mozart and Beethoven to works by 20th-century masters such as Ravel and Ligeti.”

Opening the concert run on October 16 was world-renowned musical group and popular recording artists the Shaham Erez Wallfisch Trio, who performed some of the most famous classical pieces from Beethoven to Romantic-era composer Dvořák.

In November, violin and piano ensemble Foyle-Štšura Duo, will mark the centenary of end of the First World War with a concert that includes Elgar’s violin sonata, one of three great chamber works composed in 1918 and 1919.

This concert will be the latest in a string of impressive gigs for the duo, who have previously played at London’s Wigmore and Queen Elizabeth Halls and Buckingham Palace.

Acclaimed trombonist Peter Moore will be playing in December, alongside BBC Radio 3 regular and accomplished pianist Robert Thompson.

Peter, who was named the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year at the age of 12, will perform an eclectic range of music, from the traditional works of Robert Schumann to the modern compositions of James Maynard, named Urban Variations.

Acclaimed Syrian pianist Riyad Nicolas is set to perform in January, with a selection of pieces by Beethoven and Maurice Ravel.

Riyad has previously performed at the UN’s refugee agency and the International Rescue Committee to raise awareness of the plight of the Syrian people.

Saxophonist Jess Gillam, currently one of the biggest names in classical music, will be performing in February.

After making history in 2016 as the first saxophonist to win the woodwind final of BBC Young Musician of the Year, Jess was described at the 2018 Classic Brit Awards as a performer ‘who embodies the exciting future of classical music.’

Some of Jess’ previous performances include the Royal Albert Hall and this year’s Last Night at the Proms.

Accompanied by pianist Zeynep Özsuca, Jess is set to perform a rendition of Marcello’s baroque concerto and the film music by Michael Nyman and John Williams, the composers behind the soundtrack of Schindler List.

Award-winning instrumental band Heath Quartet will be living up to their name by performing several string quartets in March.

Their pieces will include famous compositions by Beethoven, as well as renditions by contemporary classical artist György Ligeti.

Closing the run in April will be music teachers, and husband and wife team, Mayumi Fujikawa and Richard Markson who, along with some of their students, will be performing a selection of pieces from Beethoven to Mozart. Their son,and fellow musician, Oliver, will also be joining them on stage.

“All the acts in this year’s line-up are worthy musicians, who all have different styles and skills,” Martin said.

“Any of the concerts can be enjoyed by both audiences who have a knowledge of classical music or newcomers to the genre.”

The series started this week and runs until April at the Queen’s Hall, Hexham.

Tickets can be purchased from the box office or at www.queenshall.co.uk.