One of the UK's leading string quartets, the Sacconi Quartet, returns to Hexham on November 29, as guests of the Hexham and District Music Society at the main theatre in the Queen's Hall Arts Centre.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the Sacconi's are touring nationwide as firmly established international performers and recording artists, performing their favourite works from their two decades together.

They will be joined by pianist Emma Abbate, who has been hailed by the Italian classic music magazine, Musica, as "an amazingly talented artist".

Abbate has a successful international career as an accompanist and chamber musician, having played with some of the finest singers and instrumentalists of her generation.

The Sacconi Quartet, accompanied by Abbate, will perform a selection of three 20th century masterpieces by the musical maestros, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich and Elgar.

Classic FM praised one of the Sacconi Quartet's concerts, which they said "was all about letting the music speak".

The Sacconi's last concert in Hexham was in March 2020, which will live long in the memories of those who were there.

Played on the final day before the country went into the first Covid-19 lockdown, it was an extraordinary, emotional occasion with a performance to match. This month's concert promises to truly celebrate the return of live music and audiences.

"We are delighted to have the Sacconi Quartet back in Hexham," said Martin Hughes, chairman of the Hexham and District Music Society. "Their anniversary is a real cause for celebration - and testimony to the sheer artistry and quality of their playing."

Tickets are available from the Queen's Hall box office at www.queenshall.co.uk. Schoolchildren go free.

To find full concert details, go to www.hexhammusic.net.