RIPON Cathedral Concert Society's opening concert of 2017 will be a January 16 performance of Franz Schubert’s song cycle, Die Schöne Müllerin, in the magical setting of the Ripon Cathedral Quire.

Schubert's work, a musical journey that embraces optimism, love, rejection and tragedy, will be introduced and set in context by musicologist and presenter Katy Hamilton, a regular on BBC Radio 3’s record review team.

The song cycle tells the story of a beautiful maid of the mill and the unrequited love of a young journeyman, as initial optimism gives way to despair and tragedy.

It will be performed by rising tenor star Nick Pritchard, accompanied by pianist Ian Tindale, who is a regular performer in Yorkshire, latterly giving several recitals at the 2016 Ryedale Festival. He won the Accompanist’s Prize in the 2015 Kathleen Ferrier Awards.

“This is the first of Schubert's great song cycles that we'll be showcasing over the next three years," says society chairman Roger Higson. “We're very excited that Roderick Williams and Iain Burnside will be performing Die Wintereisse in February 2018. Schwanengesang will be performed during our 2018 -19 season.”

Tickets for the 7.30pm concert are available at riponconcerts.co.uk and harrogatetheatre.co.uk, on 01423 502116, in person from Harrogate Theatre and the Little Ripon Bookshop or on the door.