NOW in its 26th year, Shropshire Music Trust has launched a new season of quality music events, including a marvellous cross-section of music genres to suit all tastes.

Music director Kate Hogwood says: “The English Chamber Orchestra, one of the world’s greatest string orchestras, promise to be an inspiration when they perform popular works by Britten and Mozart plus Huw Watkins’ delightful Three Welsh Songs for Strings at St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury on October 27.

“And the ever-popular Innovation Chamber Ensemble will delight audiences with their sparkling conductor-less performances of a specially designed and imaginative programme in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury on November 13.”

December will see the highly acclaimed Ex Cathedra with their unique celebration of Christmas by Candlelight on December 15.

Then, in the new year, the dynamic early music group Consort 1700 will present A European Grand Tour folliwing in the footsteps of the traditional Grand Tour of early 18th century with a diverse programme ranging from Corelli and Vivaldi to Geminiani and Scarlatti.

With a highly successful background and sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival, the upwardly mobile young comedian and musician James Sherwood will be seamlessly and hilarously interweaving politics and satire while accompanying himself on the keyboard.

This multi-talented artist, who includes guest appearances on Mock the Week and Loose Ends in his portfolio, will dazzle the audience in The Mulberry Theatre at The Gateway, Shrewsbury in March.

Looking further ahead, the 2009/2010 season will also include A Night at the Opera at the Drayton Festival Centre, with some illuminating snapshots from operas by Purcell, Mozart, Rossinit, Puccini, Verdi and wagner.

And, in complete contrast, the sizzlingly hot Zum return with gypsy tango passion by popular demand on April 27.

The season continues with an intriguing event, Rostropovich’s Birthday Present, an evening with one of the UK’s finest chamber orchestras, The Manchester Camerata, and ends with Treasures of Renaissance England featuring the glorious music of Tallis, Shepherd and Byrd performed by Harr y Christophers’ The Sixteen on their Choral Pilgrimage 2010.

Full details are available from Shropshire Music Trust, Freepost, Shrewsbury SY5 6DY, on 01952 510375 or at shropshiremusictrust.com.

To book, call Theatre Severn on 01743 281281 or email box.office@theatresevern.co.

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