DARLINGTON Music Society’s 2014-15 season promises another fine concert series with leading players performing enjoyable programmes as well as the usual selection of rising stars.

However, it is a source of concern for the society that, as the pool of prodigious musical talent becomes wider and younger, its regular audience is growing older and smaller.

Spokesman Mike Chapman said: “The dismal end to this process for the music society is obvious. As part of a wider trend, it is even more alarming and depressing. The pool of talent cannot be sustained by broadcasting and CD sales alone.

“The success of Classic FM indicates a substantial audience for classical music. How do we convince them that the impact and excitement of a live concert so far outshines listening to Jamie Crick on a car radio driving home that it is worth making the effort to turn up?”

He added that the society was continuing to seek the magic formula.

“If you are an armchair listener, we invite you to make that effort.

We are confident you will not be disappointed. If you are an established concert goer, remember that nothing beats a personal recommendation.”

The season is bookended with two string quartets, The Archaeus Quartet play Mozart, Barber and Beethoven in October, and the Wu Quartet play Mendelssohn, Schubert and Beethoven the following April.

November sees The Albany Piano Trio playing Haydn, Debussy and Dvorak, then in December, prizewinning cellist Ariana Kashefi with pianist Timothy End play Janacek, Beethoven, Rachmaninov and Paganini.

In January, leading wind chamber ensemble, Cuillin Sounds plays before the February concert which sees a welcome return by pianist Olga Stezhko, who gave a wonderful concert in December 2011. She will be playing works by Brahms, Prokofiev, Mozart and others.

In March, Adelia Myslov, violinist and prizewinning graduate of the RCM , offers Beethoven, Brahms, Respighi and Ravel.

The concerts are held in the Central Hall of the Dolphin Centre. A ticket for the series of seven concerts costs £55, but tickets for individual concerts (£12) can be bought at the door. People aged 25 and under can attend free thanks to the Cavatina Trust. The season begins on October 4.

The brochure, in September, will include full details of performers and programmes as well as a ticket order form. To receive a copy, email DarlingtonMusic@btinternet.com or ring 01325 467163.