A MUSIC society has launched its concert series for the season ahead.

Bishop Auckland Music Society's 2021 Concert Series launches on Friday, June 11, with pianist Floriean Mitrea, in line with the latest Covid-19 restrictions.

Florian gave his debut recital at the Bozar Centre in Brussels in 2020 together with his first solo tour with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. His June concert 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.

Katherine Bryer (oboe) and Irena Radic (piano) entertain on Friday, August 20, in a concert that includes work by Schumann and Rachmaninoff. After studying at the Royal Academy of Music, Katherine appeared with many orchestras including BBC Symphony and the Philharmonia and London Orchestras.

Trio Anima will perform work by Faure, Telemann and Debussy amongst others on Friday, September 3. The Trio, which formed at the Guildhall School of Music, have been delighting audiences for over a decade with their distinctive combination of harp, flute and viola.

The series culminates with The Meraki Duo on Friday, October 22. 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 are £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 to have ticket costs refunded should concerts have to be cancelled because of the Covid-19 epidemic. See bvemv.orpheusweb.co.uk/BAMSWeb/bams.html for more details.