BBC to broadcast series of lunchtime concerts

The BBC will feature four Music in the Round concerts boasting world-class musicians such as Cdric Tiberghien, Roderick Williams and Iain Burnside.

Joining them for the 12.45pm recitals are the equally excellent Ensemble 360, Lawrence Power and Simon Crawford-Phillips. The concerts are in The Crucible's Studio Theatre on October 10 and 24, November 14 and November 21.

Radio 3 will also be in Sheffield for its Discovering Music programme on October 26 to be presented by Stephen Johnson. He will explore Spohr's Nonet, arguably the composer's most popular chamber work, with Ensemble 360.

The Autumn Series runs from October 5 to December 9 and Ensemble 360 presents eight programmes, including Russian and Jewish themed concerts.

It also includes a fundraising concert for the series by pianist Paul Lewis on October 31 (7.45pm).

Trevor Pinnock will host a 'bring and play' on October 14, where anyone who plays a string instrument can go to the Crucible foyer and join in with Trevor and Highly Strung.

Other series highlights are Ensemble 360 and Polly Ives presenting – a schools' concert including Roald Dahl's Dirty Beasts and Cinderella on November 20.

Pianist Martin Roscoe will hold a piano masterclass for young musicians of grade five and above and the Family Christmas Concert rounds off the series on December 9 when Ensemble 360 and Polly Ives will perform a programme to include Cinderella and Goulash the Ghoul, a story set to Bart"k's String Quartet No.4.

Anyone who buys tickets for three of the BBC concerts gets tickets to the fourth concert for free. For ticket details call 0114 281 4660, or you can email [email protected] or visit musicintheround.co.uk