BISHOP Auckland Music Society launches its 2021 season in the spring.

The first concert on Friday, April 9, is with Katherine Bryer (oboe) and Irena Radic (piano) and includes work by Schumann and Rachmaninoff. Katherine has appeared with many orchestras including BBC Symphony, Philharmonia and London Orchestra, after studying at the Royal Academy of Music.

Trio Anima will perform work by Faure, Teleman and Debussy amongst others on Friday, May 7. The Trio, which formed at the Guildhall School of Music, has been delighting audiences for over a decade with their distinctive combination of harp, flute and viola.

Pianist Florian Mitrea gave his debut recital at the Bozar Centre in Brussels together with his first solo tour with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in 2020. His summer concert on Friday, June 11, includes work by Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt.

On Friday, July 16, Jamal Alijev (cello) and Maksim Stsura (piano) perform work by Tchaikovsky and Cesar Franck.

The series culminates with The Meraki Duo on Friday, September 3. Formed in 2013, the Duo enjoys exploring the diversity of repertoire available to the flute-guitar pairing while contributing arrangements of their own. Both share a passion for chamber music that extends to jazz, Latin American and European folk music.

All concerts are held in the warmth and comfort of Bishop Auckland Methodist Church (DL14 6EN).

Non-alcoholic light refreshments are available to purchase during the interval.

Season tickets (£58), which include all five concerts for approximately the cost of four, together with individual concert tickets are available from treasurer Brian Varley on 01388 606075.

In addition, individual concert tickets – £14 in advance, £16 on the door – are also available from Brotherton's Music (opposite Morrison's car park).

Concert goers may apply for refunds should concerts have to be cancelled because of the Covid-19 epidemic. See the website for details at www.bvemv.orpheusweb.co.uk/BAMSWeb/bams.html.