LUDLOW composer Richard Francis has described the town's Music Society programme over the next six months as "probably its most exciting season ever".

A stalwart member of the society, he has told music lovers: "Not only are the artists of the highest calibre, the programmes are diverse, covering a wide range of music including contemporary and early music."

The season opens on September 27 with a concert by the London Piano Trio. The programme includes a contemporary piece, Melancholia (2002), by Cheryl Frances-Hoad.

Also included is Beethoven's Piano Trio in C minor Op 1 no 3, a relatively early work, and a rare chance to hear Tchaikovsky's massive Piano Trio in A minor, a work in two substantial movements.

The Callino String Quartet from Ireland appear on October 18 and their programme includes another contemporary work, the String Quartet no 6 by Ian Wilson. Janacek's 2nd Quartet no 2, subtitled Intimate Letters, dates from 1928 and is centred around a love affair.

Beethoven's Quartet Op 74 is subtitled The Harp because of the harp-like pizzicato arpeggios in the first movement.

The Young Artists Concert, sponsored by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust is given by the early music group, Trio Inconnu, consisting of baroque flute, viola da gamba and theorbo. The soprano Julie Cooper joins the group, and the programme consists of music from 18th Century France and Germany.

The first concert in 2004 is given by the young Russian pianist Alex Slobodyanik. His programme includes Schumann's fanciful Papillions Op 2, followed by one of the great 20th Century masterpieces for the piano - Ravel's suite Gaspard de la Nuit. Rachmaninov's 1st Piano Sonata is not as often played as no 2, and is something of a rarity. It is rich in melody and makes phenomenal demands on the pianist's stamina.

The season ends with a visit by the Paris-Bastille Wind Ensemble. This virtuoso ensemble will give the world premiere of Trittico all antico by the contemporary composer Nicolas Bacri. Also included are Mozart opera extracts arranged for wind, Eugene Bozza's Octamphonie, Mozart's C minor Serenade, and the Octet for Wind by Svend S Schultz.

All concerts are held at Moor Park School near Ludlow, and full details can be had from the secretary, Mrs Rosalind Caird (01584 876141) or e-mail: lms@caynham.globalnet.co.uk