After a well received debut performance in Grosmont this summer, the Zoltan Ensemble return with their founder members - Lowri Porter (violin), Nancy Johnson (viola) and Roz Gladstone (Cello) - to perform JS Bach’s sublime Goldberg variations arranged for string trio by Dmitry Sitkovetsky. Originally described as an "aria with different variations for harpsichord with two manuals” these variations comprise some of the most beautiful music ever conceived; Sitkovetsky’s arrangement pays great respect to the work by masterfully retaining the spirit and intent of the original while making full use of the resonance and variety of sound available with string instruments.

As the winter months draw in and darkness engulfs the evenings, the ensemble are presenting a late afternoon concert to take advantage of such a beautiful setting in the changing light. The concert will begin at 4.30pm and showcases the Bach without an interval, as it is usually performed.

All the members of the Zoltan Ensemble are extremely committed to their work as instrumentalists and performers, with diverse careers taking them all over the world to play with orchestras such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Welsh National Opera, Royal Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra. However they are equally committed to bringing music to young people, helping to inspire the next generation of musicians. With this in mind, they will be putting on a children’s concert earlier on the same day at 2pm. The presentation of this concert will be primarily aimed at children up to 7 years old, however, the music being played will be drawn from the later concert though presented in shorter sections, so it may appeal to older children as well. There will also be a festive element to the children’s concert and plenty of fun songs and movements to join in with. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy live music and learn lots about how string instruments work in a relaxed and informal setting. Not to be missed!

In the Nave of St Nicholas’ church, Grosmont on Sunday, December 3, the children’s concert will be at 2pm and tickets are £4 per person (babes in arms free). The Goldberg Variations will be performed in full at 4.30pm, also in the Nave, tickets £10.