MARDEN House Concerts is launching its annual recital series on Sunday with the first performance of a new season.

As part of the series a top line-up of musicians will be coming to town over the next eight months.

The recital season will see a mix of musical masterclasses and concerts by national performers as well as the best of Calne's local talent.

Pianist Martino Tirimo will kick things off on Sunday with a masterclass and performances of works by Chopin and Schubert.

Mr Tirimo frequently plays with the Dresden Philharmonic and his televised performance of Tippet's Piano Concerto was broadcast to mark the composer's 90th birthday.

Over the coming months musicians will also include flutist William Bennett OBE, violinist Madeleine Mitchell, the Regent Quartet and the London Harpsichord Ensemble.

Penelope Price Jones, of Marden House Concerts, said: "Based on the success of the past two seasons we are able to offer the people of the Calne area some exciting concerts this year.

"Our three master classes are being given by distinguished teacher-performers in piano, violin and flute."

A concert by the town's schoolchildren will be held on June 17.

"It is thrilling to watch our young people responding, in the welcoming ambience of Marden House, to the enthusiasm and expertise brought by the visiting artists," added Mrs Price Jones.

All events will be held at Marden House which has full access for disabled people.

Tickets cost £7 for concerts and £3.50 for masterclasses. A subscription for all six concerts is £35.

Twenty pre-booked tickets for each concert will be available to students at the discounted price of £1. It is advisable to book early for all events.

For further information and tickets contact Mary Pilcher-Clayton on (01249) 812749.