A MUSIC group in Ludlow is joining forces with the Assembly Rooms in the town.

Ludlow Music Society has been promoting chamber music concerts by artists with international standings for more than 30 years.

It has done this with much acclaim and entirely without public subsidy. But, as with many other local concert societies in recent years, its concert series have become unsustainable in their current form.

To provide it with a new lease of life the Society is to merge its activities with Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

The process has been stalled by Covid-19, but a new concert series to the same exacting standards will emerge as soon as the new auditorium at Ludlow Assembly Rooms is available for use.

This will add to the entertainment that is provided to audiences at the Assembly Rooms when it reopens.

“The Assembly Rooms is delighted to agree to this proposal by Ludlow Music Society to promote regular Chamber concerts in our newly refurbished auditorium,” said Garath Williams, Chair of Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

“The redesigned auditorium with good sight-lines from all seats and enhanced acoustics will provide an excellent experience for recital-goers.

“This partnership with Ludlow Music Society allows the Assembly Rooms to reinforce an under-resourced component of its programme; it presents us with the possibility to further strengthen our repertoire of events as we move into an exciting new era for our precious venue.”

James Caird, Chair of Ludlow Music Society said that there are many people who have played a big part in the history of the group.

“The opportunity to integrate Ludlow Music Society’s concert series into a high-quality cultural programme in a thoroughly modernised venue seemed too good an opportunity to miss,” he said.

“Of course there are countless people and organizations who have contributed to the Society over the years and to whom it owes a great debt of gratitude.

“Special mention must be made of Moor Park School whose Henderson Hall has been our venue for so long.

“We hope that this development will lead to an equally successful future at Ludlow Assembly Rooms.”

It is hoped that the first concerts might be possible in the first part of 2021 with a full programme resuming in the 2021-22 season.