FRIENDS of Walton Hall Music’s 2018 programme will launch on January 31 with the award-winning Solem String Quartet.

The classical group, currently the quartet in residence at Liverpool University, will perform works by Mozart, Beethoven and Mendelssohn.

The four musicians met in 2011 at the University of Manchester, where they take their name – the university’s motto ‘arduus ad solem’ means ‘striving towards the sun’.

The quartet recently completed a junior fellowship in chamber music at the Royal Northern College of Music, giving regular coaching to chamber ensembles as well as a series of concerts throughout the year.

Now in its 28th year, the concert series has an emphasis on giving performance opportunities to young musicians, be it graduates from music college or those still at school.

n Entry for each concert is £12 but it is free for anyone under 25.

Call 265146 or 263388 for details on places you can get tickets in Stockton Heath, Latchford and Lymm.

Tickets can also be bought from the Heritage Café at Walton Gardens or online at warrington.gov.uk/waltongardens