CLASSICAL music fans across the North-East and North Yorkshire are promised a real treat over the next eight months, with Middlesbrough Town Hall bringing some of the world’s best orchestras to town.

Six major concerts include the welcome return of classical heavyweights such as the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra and a keenly-anticipated debut visit by the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

Russian favourites the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and homegrown talents of Royal Northern Sinfonia and The Halle will also feature, before the season ends in with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra.

Rob Guest of Middlesbrough Town Hall said: “We’ve built up a great reputation in the classical world over the past few years, and this new season really continues an amazing adventure.”

“It’s the only programme of international symphony orchestras in the North-East – you’d have to travel to either Leeds or Edinburgh to find a remotely similar line-up - and it puts us right up there alongside some of the best classical venues in the country.”

He added: “Alongside the orchestral programme there are five intimate chamber and recital performances.

“We have pianist Emmanuel Vas giving a recital in November while the English Piano Trio will be playing Mozart Schumann and Beethoven in November.”

There will also be two chamber performances featuring players from RNS, while the Schubert Ensemble will perform in February.

Mr Guest said: “The classical season is an important part of our artistic programme and of our heritage really.”

The opening night of Middlesbrough Town Hall in 1889 featured a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Some of the composers who have appeared at the venue include Edward Elgar, Sergei Rachmaninov and Johann Strauss.

There will be a range of ticket prices designed to encourage families, students and both new and existing classical fans alike.

It includes a Prelude scheme which offers two free tickets – subject to availability - to people who live in the Teesside area who have not attended a classical concert before.

The Russian State Orchestra, conducted by Valery Polyansky, will present works by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, at 7.45pm on Monday(October6). Guest soloist Natalia Lomeiko will perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.

For further information, tickets, or brochures contact the Box Office on 01642 729729 or visit www.middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk.