Ripon concert series begins after 60% audience increase

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A monthly series of Sunday afternoon concerts gets underway in Ripon on Sunday (October 12).

The Ripon Concerts series, which brings acclaimed musicians to the city, enjoyed a 60% increase in attendances last season.

The Fitzroy String Quartet will start the season with compositions by Philip Glass, John Luther-Adams, Jessie Montgomery and Dvorak.

The Gould Piano Trio, the David Gordon Trio and cellist Raphael Wallfisch are among the other artists on this winter’s programme. Raphael Wallfisch will play Bach’s cello suites 1, 2, 4 and 6 to round off the season on March 8.

Ripon Concerts has introduced several changes in recent years.

The time of concerts has moved from Monday evenings to Sunday afternoons.

Last year’s concerts were divided between Holy Trinity Church and Sharow Church, but the former attracted larger audiences so all events will be held their this season.

The music society has also tried to broaden the age range of the audience by offering free tickets for adults accompanying young people from Ripon.

Also, all concerts now begin with two local young musicians each performing for five minutes.

Jim Dalton, chair of Ripon Concerts, attributed these changes to the increased attendances and said the season ahead offered "an excellent, varied programme".