STOCKBRIDGE Music has announced an Early Music Series of three spring concerts.

The series includes two professional ensembles, both experts in their respective fields of Baroque music and a special choir made up entirely of choral scholars drawn from Winchester and Salisbury Cathedrals.

Taking place at St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge, the first concert is on March 14 where La Serenissima will be performing Great Sonatas of Venice.

Tim Lowden of Stockbridge Music said: “Firmly established as one of the leading exponents of the music of Antonio Vivaldi and his Italian contemporaries, the ensemble is led by Adrian Archer, an acknowledged world expert in the original manuscripts of the music.”

On April 11 the Sansara Choral Scholars are back by public demand with Early European music and on June 6 The Brook Street Band will be onstage with A Handelian Ensemble.

Mr Lowden said: “Formed in 1995, the band has rapidly established itself as one of the country’s foremost interpreters of Handel’s music.

“The name comes from the street in London’s Mayfair where Handel lived and composed for most of his working life. In addition to performing 18th Century music, the band is committed to developing new repertoire.”

Stockbridge Music was formed in 2012 to bring high quality chamber music and recitals of all varieties to Stockbridge, inviting professional musicians to perform as well as students seeking opportunities to perform in public and local musicians keen on furthering their careers.

An unfunded community project, Stockbridge Music needs to break even on its annual promotions.

Mr Lowden said: “We aim to keep the ticket prices as low as possible and so audience support is essential if it is to succeed in this respect.

“Considerable momentum has already built up as all our concerts have been well attended and one or two senior musicians are already applying to take part in our future promotions.”

For more details visit stockbridge music.uk Tickets are available at The Lights Theatre in Andover on 01264 368368, John Robinson, Butchers in High Street, Stockbridge or Roger Tym on 01264 810363.