CONCERT and Cakes will present the last in the 2016/17 concert series at All Saints Church, Burton in Lonsdale, this Saturday.

The event, which runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, will feature the Aurora String Quintet performing a programme of the full Schubert String Quintet in C Major, universally considered to be one of greatest chamber works ever composed.

Concert and Cakes, which is supported by the Sir John Fisher Foundation, is an hour of beautiful music by musicians from the Royal Northern College of Music followed by an invitation to meet the performers afterwards, whilst enjoying homemade cakes, tea and coffee.

Composed in September 1828, during the final weeks of Schubert’s life, the Quintet in C for two violins, viola and two cellos was the composer’s last instrumental work and ranks among his greatest accomplishments.

Schubert’s decision to use a second cello (rather than the second viola characteristic of Mozart’s quintets) permits him to explore the string trio texture in the middle of the ensemble, while making embellishments with the “bookend” combination of the first violin and second cello at the extremes of the quartet range.

The second cello also adds to the overall richness of the piece, contributing to a darker sound.

Whilst this piece would normally be performed with all four movements without a break, for the comfort of the audience, the Concert and Cakes' format will take a short break between the second and third movements.

This piece of music is being performed by an ensemble of Royal Northern College of Music students who formed especially to play it.

They won the RNCM Schubert Prize for their performance, although individually they are all members of other chamber music ensembles.

Their passion for chamber music was the hallmark of Dr Chris Rowland’s work establishing the Chamber Music Department and Festival at the RNCM. Chris is the inspiration for the Concert and Cakes series.

After Saturday, Concert and Cakes will take a break until the autumn when its 2017/18 season will begin.

Entry is free on Saturday and no ticket is required, but there will be retiring collection.