THE 2018-19 Darlington Piano Society season will bring six musicians to perform in the town for the first time and feature works new to local audiences.

The programme follows last year's aim of introducing pianists who have not previously been heard at recitals in the Dolphin Centre.

The season, which includes well-known works from the classical piano repertoire, begins on October 21 with a much anticipated recital by the internationally recognised and award winning young Russian/Israeli pianist Boris Giltburg, in one of only two recitals he is giving in the UK in the midst of his hectic international schedule.

A winner of several international piano competitions, his many solo, chamber and concerto recordings have all received critical acclaim. His programme includes his own arrangement of Shostakovich’s third string quartet.

Other recitals in the first half of the season include Jamie Bergin (November 18), born in the North-East and currently studying with the Royal Northern Sinfonia’s principal conductor Lars Vogt in Germany and, on December 9, Lara Melda, winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 2010 who is being mentored by Alfred Brendel, in a programme containing the four Ballades by Chopin.

The new year begins with a recital by British/Romanian pianist Florian Mitrea on January 27; his programme includes a selection of pieces inspired by Eastern European folk music linked by the Danube including two works by two 20th century Romanian composers.

This is followed by Malaysian Mei Yi Foo on February 24 with a virtuosic and adventurous programme including works by Messiaen, Stravinsky and Balakirev.

The season ends with a recital by eminent British pianist Leon McCawley, in a programme celebrating early and late works, including a work by the neglected and rarely heard Hans Gal.

“The society aims to bring classical piano music recitals of the highest level of performance and content to Darlington and this will be a continuing objective,”said chairman Greg Johnson, “particularly as we progress to our 25th anniversary season in 2020-21”.

Full details can be found at dpiano.co.uk and in the brochure available throughout the area, as well as reminders via the websites of What’s on in Darlington, Darlington for Culture and Teesside Music.

Recitals take place in Central Hall at the Dolphin Centren on Sunday afternoons at 3pm.

Season tickets can be bought through the booking form in the brochure or through the website. Individual tickets are available at the Dolphin Centre in advance and available on the day of the recitals.