A CLASSICAL quartet is on its debut Dorset tour this autumn.

The Laurent Quartet will perform at Nether Compton, near Sherborne, on November 16 and Bourton, north Dorset, on November 17.

The tour is possible due to support from the national organisation Live Music Now and Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.

This young, vibrant and dynamic group of musicians met during their years of study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Royal College of Music. As members of Live Music Now, they have channeled their enthusiasm to bring concerts and workshops to special education schools and care homes across the South West, enabling as many people as possible to have access to classical music, something which they are very passionate about.

Yvonne Gallimore, Artsreach Co-Director said: “Live Music Now are committed to working with professional musicians in an effort to ensure that quality live music is accessible to everybody, and that is a similar ethos to us here at Artsreach, striving to bring quality performances to rural venues. The support of our funders, and sponsors such as Blanchards Bailey Solicitors means our programme can reach right across the County. For this tour, the added support of Live Music Now means we are also able to offer a special daytime performance for Blind Veterans outside of our evening programme.”

With Rachael Elliot and Alison Boden on violin, Jennifer MacCallum on viola and Beatrice Newman on cello, this new programme celebrates the wonderful sonority of classical chamber music, featuring Hadyn's Sunrise and Dvorak's 'American' string quartets.

*The Laurent Quartet, Nether Compton Hall, Thursday, November 16. Call 01935 413220 for tickets. Also performing at St George’s Church, Bourton on Friday, November 17. Call 01747 840057 for tickets. See artsreach.co.uk for more information.