The Royal Northern Sinfonia will kick off the Hexham and District Music Society's new season.

Hailed as "the jewel of our region" by Music in Durham, 11 members of the North-East orchestra will perform at Hexham's Queen's Hall Arts Centre on October 1.

The concert will begin at 7.30pm.

Joan Peugniez, chairman of the society, said: "We're thrilled that the Royal Northern Sinfonia are coming to open our season.

"Their concert renews a long-standing friendship with the society – they first played in one of our concerts 60 years ago in 1964, when the orchestra was just six years old.

"They have done so much for music in the North-East since then.

"It's a pleasure to welcome them back."

The main piece of the evening will be Schubert’s Octet, often described as a symphony in miniature for eight players.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the composition, which is known for its memorable tunes, charm, and drama.

The programme will also feature music by Debussy and Arnold Bax, an important figure in early 20th-century English music.

His romantic compositions are not often played but will be showcased at the concert.

Tickets for the concert are available at the Queen's Hall box office.

The society's website, hexhammusic.net, has full programme details and videos of the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Season tickets for the entire six-concert series are also available for purchase from the website.

The society's new season promises to be a feast of music for the North-East.