A varied and impressive programme has been announced to mark the 40th anniversary of a prominent county music organisation.

The Shropshire Music Trust was founded in 1983 and has prided itself on offering programmes featuring all aspects of classical and world music over the last four decades.

The trust has also announced the appointment of a top figure in the UK classical music world as its new new honorary patron.

The celebration concert will feature Ex Cathedra, one of the country’s best choirs, and there will be guest musicians to be announced nearer the date.

The first concert in the trust’s forthcoming season will be a recital by The Dante Quartet on 28 September at St Alkmund’s Church in Shrewsbury.

Known for its imaginative programming, the quartet has received international awards for its many recordings and impassioned performances. Shrewsbury-based violinist Zoë Beyers, who also leads the quartet, said that she was greatly looking forward to opening the trust’s 40th season.

The programme for the evening on 28 September will include Haydn’s string quartet op 75 No.4; Bridge’s Three Idylls and Beethoven’s string quartet Op 59 No.1. The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available here.