HYDE 900/HARP has announced its Michaelmas Music programme at St Bartholomew’s Church, Hyde.

The series of six concerts aims to build on the success of last year’s Hyde900 concert series at the historic venue.

In keeping with the history of the Hyde Abbey site, the series will feature three strands - choral music, English music and ‘youth opportunity’.

It will also feature a series of premiers including works written by the performers themselves.

Students from both Peter Symonds College and the University of Winchester will be taking part along with Vox Angelica, an early music choir.

The season opens with From Hildegard to Hopkins on Saturday, September 10, with Vox Angelica directed by Julien Chilcott-Monk.

Two weeks later Mark Gillman will perform works by Parry, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Thalben-Ball, Samuel Wesley, Bach and Louis-Vierne.

He will also unveil his own new composition dedicated to St Bartholomew’s Church, where he is resident organist.

Then on Saturday, October 8, clarinettist Emma Alexandra and the pianist Samantha Carrasco will perform works by classical English composers.

A week later, The Spooner Mosley Duo will premiere a new work by Winchester-based Martin Read, along with pieces by other composers.

Seven days later on Saturday, October 22, the choirs of Winchester University conducted by June Boyce- Tillman will perform a King Alfred’s Day concert.

A candle-lit procession to the site of Hyde Abbey will conclude the performance.

The final event will be on Friday, November 11 with young musicians from the Peter Symonds College music department showing their skills.

Edward Fennell of Hyde 900/HARP said: “Last year Hyde900 broke new ground in establishing St. Bartholomew’s as a venue for classical music.

“We hope that this year we can consolidate that reputation and build on it further, by offering performers and composers the opportunity to premier new work as well as exploring the established canon.”

He also thanked Hyde-based Taylor Fordyce Solicitors, which is sponsoring the series.

Peter Taylor, a partner at the firm, said: “It’s great to be part of the Hyde community, and have the opportunity to support this lively musical initiative.”

All the shows will start at 7.30pm and tickets, which can only be bought on the door, cost £6 while under-12s go free.

Interval drinks will be available at the nearby Hyde Tavern pub in Hyde Street.

Call Mr Fennell on 01962 868581 or email edward.fennell@virgin.net for more details.