BISHOP Auckland Music Society (BAMS) has secured a new home for its concerts in 2017 – the lovely 13th Century surroundings of St Andrew’s, in South Church, near Bishop Auckland.

Its regular home for 23 years, Auckland Castle, is currently closed for restoration.

The series begins on Friday, April 7, with two highly regarded pianists and chamber musicians, Sarah Beth Briggs and James Lisney, combining their skills in this exciting piano duo. Their work focuses particularly on the great works of Mozart and Schubert.

On May 12, BAMS welcomes back 4 Girls 4 Harps. Formed in 2000 the ensemble has been heard widely both in the UK and Europe, delighting audiences with their dynamic performances and innovative repertoire. They have been heard playing live on Radio 3 as well as featuring on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.

One of the leading young string quartets, The Alauda Quartet - 2 violins, viola and cello - formed at The Royal Academy of Music in 2011and were selected as Concert Artists with Making Music for 2016-17. They visit on Friday, June 16, to perform work by Haydn, Schubert and Shostakovitch.

Sponsored by the Countess of Munster Trust Recital Scheme, clarinettist Matthew Scott teams with pianist Daniel King Scott on 14th July in a wide-ranging oncert to delight the senses.

The concert series culminates on Friday, September 8 when Noriko Ogawa, ‘ravishing poetic playing’ (Telegraph), visits Bishop Auckland in what is seen as a coup for the Society. Norika has achieved considerable renown worldwide since her success at the Leeds International Piano Competition. She has received acclaim for her Debussy series with BIS Records and her programme this evening will include works by him, together with Chopin and Prokofiev, using the Society’s fine Steinway grand piano. (This concert is sponsored by M and M Pharmacies).

  • Season tickets, £55, offering 4 concerts for the price of 5, together with individual advance concert tickets, priced £13.50, are available by contacting Brian Varley (01388) 606075. Tickets can also be collected in person from Brothertons Music Shop (opposite Morrison’s carpark)

Tickets, priced £15, are available on the door at the venue.