Over the years many of the world's most illustrious musicians have appeared at the King's Hall, its 63rd year opening with a living legend of the keyboard, Marc-Andre Hamelin. A stunning virtuoso, his recital includes works by Chopin and Debussy (October 1).

The Royal String Quartet from Poland have won many major competitions since they were formed in 1998. They bring with them a quartet by the major 20th century Polish composer, Szymanowski, together with works by Mozart and Beethoven (November 19). Coming nearer home, the Sheffield-born pianist, Benjamin Frith, is the central figure in the Gould Piano Trio, whose biography includes the first prize in the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition. They share the evening with the Hallé's principal clarinettist, Lynsey Marsh, playing Messiaen, Saint-Saens and Ravel (December 10).

The most unusual concert will come from the Goldberg Ensemble, famed for playing music from our time. To find them playing Mozart, Richard Strauss and Mendelssohn exhibits the scope of this gifted group of musicians (May 13). Receiving the rare honour of the European Prize for Cultural Achievement, the Russian cellist, Leonid Gorokhov, joins pianist, Kathryn Stott, in sonatas by Beethoven and Rachmaninov (January 14). The Schubert Ensemble; New Zealand-born baritone, Jonathan Lemalu, and the London Harpsichord Ensemble complete the line-up.


Tickets from Ilkley Concert Club on 01943 609744.