By Peter Bevan

UNLIKE most of our local music societies, Bishop Auckland’s season of concerts in the grand surroundings of Auckland Castle covers the summer months.

The five concerts for the 24th season cover a pleasingly wide range of music and artists, beginning on April 10 with violinist Jennifer Pike who, in 2002, was the youngest winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year. Her careful and steady development since then has seen her evolve into one of today’s finest musicians.

She will be accompanied by the Russian-born pianist Peter Limonov in a programme including a Bach solo violin sonata and pieces by Beethoven, Dvorak and a set of variations by Miklos Rozsa.

On May 8, the young soprano Raphaela Papadakis, who last year made her song recital debut in New York’s illustrious Carnegie Hall, will appear accompanied by James Sherlock in an attractive selection of songs by Schubert, Liszt, Barber and Benjamin Britten’s folk song arrangements.

One of the more unusual combinations is the concert by the appropriately named 4 Girls 4 Harps on June 12. The programme includes special arrangements of music by Rachmaninov, Shostakovich and Tarrega and other pieces specially written for them, including the premiere of a work written by four female British composers to celebrate the group’s 15th anniversary.

Pianist Alexander Ullman who studied with William Fong and Leon Fleisher among others has already won several awards and international competitions.

His recital on July 10 will include Tchaikovsky, Schumann, Debussy’s Estampes and four Mazurkas and Ballade No. 4 by Chopin.

Finally, Andrew Fuller, cellist with the Primrose Piano Quartet which opened the society’s last season, appears with Angus Meryon on clarinet and Richard Saxel piano. The Meryson Trio will perform the clarinet trios by Beethoven and Brahms as well as Debussy’s Cello Sonata and his Première Rhapsodie.

Concerts are on Fridays at 7.30pm in the Throne Room. Details are on the website (http://bvemv.orpheusweb.co.uk/BAMSWeb/bams.html) and season tickets (five for the price of four) and single tickets are available from treasurer Brian Varley on 01388 606075. Admission for under-18s is free but a ticket is required.