SKIPTON Music has been forced to cancel its next concert, due to take place early next month and featuring the Solus Trumpet Ensemble for reasons beyond its control.

The concert, which was to have taken place on December 7 at Skipton Town Hall will now take place in April with those who have already bought a ticket invited to switch to the new date, or to ask for a refund.

Meanwhile, the society has announced details of its first concert for the new year - the Borealis Saxophone Quartet which will perform at Skipton Town Hall on January 4.

Francis Finlay, chair of Skipton Music said: “We are very excited to welcome the Borealis Saxophone Quartet to Skipton.

“This is only the second time in our history that we’ve programmed a saxophone quartet and it reflects our desire to bring an even wider range of instruments to our audience.

“We are hoping that this concert will especially appeal to those who might not normally attend a classical music concert, whilst at the same time delighting our regular concert-goers.”

The quartet is an award-winning chamber ensemble comprised of four of the UK’s leading saxophonists.

Praised for their “superb technique and style” the quartet has also made numerous television and radio appearances, most notably including a BBC Proms broadcast for Radio 3.

In 2019 the Borealis Saxophone Quartet was selected as ‘BBC Introducing Artists’ and gave a live performance and interview on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’ programme.

The concert will take place on Tuesday January 4 at Skipton Town Hall and will still be operating a system of numbered and distanced seating to allow people to sit in Covid safe ‘bubbles’.

Concert-goers will also be asked to wear a face covering, unless they are medically exempt, at all times in the concert hall, and there will be no licensed bar.

Skipton Music says anyone who has bought a ticket for the December concert by Solus Trumpet Ensemble will be able to use them on April 5, or ask for a refund.

Requests for refunds should be made to TicketSource 0333 666 4466 or email support@ticketsource.co.uk; or the Box Office at Skipton Town Hall on 01756 792809 or email boxoffice@cravendc.gov.uk.

For the Borealis Saxophone Quartet on January 4 at 7.30pm, in addition to standard £1 tickets for under-19s, Skipton Music is piloting a new scheme for under-30s with a limited number of tickets available for each concert at only £5, on a first-come, first-served basis

For tickets go to: www: skiptontownhall.co.uk, or the box office on 01756 792809