PATRONS of Skipton Building Society Camerata were treated to a feast of music as a thankyou for their support of the orchestra set up 14 years ago.

They gathered for a special evening of music in Skipton Castle which included performances by Leeds University-based The Clothworkers' Consort and eight string players made up of Camerata musicians.

Founder and artistic director Ben Crick, who studied at Leeds University, said without the faithful support of people like Skipton Building Society and many individual "altruistic" friends, the orchestra would struggle.

"Camerata gets no public funding, so we depend entirely on ticket sales. So patrons who support us - people who are willing to pledge their money - are vital in helping our on going work making high quality, professional music accessible to all.

"This year is looking so exciting for the orchestra, we have some great concerts and great outreach programmes planned including to schools. We're now in a position of strength from which to build a sustainable and vibrant future."

Clothworkers' Consort's Dr Steve Muir of Leeds University said: "Skipton Building Society Camerata is a major player in Yorkshire music and we see real benefits for our our students in engaging with, working with and being inspired by these professional musicians."

In the last few years, Skipton Camerata has performed all across the country and in more unusual venues such as Holkham Hall, Harewood House and the Globe Theatre, London.

As well as playing established repertoire works in the concert hall it has also staged early Mozart operas in pubs, commissioned and performed new works in shopping centres and given 20th century premieres of forgotten works.

People who support SBS Camerata can gift from as little as £2 a month as a Friend, £9 a month as Supporter, £25 a month as Benefactor and become a full Patron from £500.

Each brings with them specific benefits. This season supporters are offered four tickets, one to each of this season's Skipton concerts, for the price of three standard rate tickets. Details of the benefits are at skiptoncamerata.com.

Coming up on Friday Bank Holiday, April 14, is the magnificent Bach's St John Passion, starting at 7.30pm in Skipton Town Hall.