BBC New Generation Artists playing near Forres

A group of four classical musicians specially picked out by the BBC will be playing in Nairn later this month.

The Consone String Quartet were formed at the Royal College of Music in London in 2012.

The foursome play classical and early romantic music on instruments that were available at the time.

As such they were the first period instrument quartet to be selected as BBC New Generation Artists.

They were also the winners of the 2016 Royal Over-Seas League Ensemble Prize, which is held each year for musicians aged under 30.

Their programme in Nairn will include two pieces by Felix Mendelssohn and his beloved sister Fanny.

Although her brother disapproved of Fanny’s composing activities she wrote over 400 works in her own right.

Felix composed his sunny Op 44/1 while on honeymoon, and it was among his own favourite works.

The concert will open with Haydn’s Op 33 no 4, from 1781 which signalled a new direction in quartet writing.

It will close with the short single movement Quartettsatz by Schubert.

The Consone String Quartet are performing at the Nairn Community and Arts Centre from 7.30pm on Saturday, October 16.

Tickets available on the centre's website, or by phone on 01667 453476.