THE Academy of St Olave’s chamber orchestra open their 2017-18 concert series with Music From A Green And Pleasant Land on September 23 in the medieval church of St Olave’s, Marygate, York.

The esteemed York ensemble will perform a beautiful 8pm programme of music inspired by England and its countryside, including Elgar’s Serenade for Strings, Vaughan Williams’s romantic Symphony No 5 and The Banks Of Green Willow by George Butterworth, who was brought up in York when his father was general manager of the North Eastern Railway.

Additionally, the orchestra will be joined by organist Keith Wright, director of music at St Olave’s church, for Handel’s Organ Concerto in F, Opus 4 No 5.

The Academy’s musical director, Alan George, says: “Vaughan Williams’s fifth symphony is a piece the orchestra have wanted to play for a long time, and it seemed only right that this paragon of English symphonic writing should be accompanied by three other fine English compositions.

"We're also delighted to welcome back Keith Wright on the St Olave’s organ, an instrument whose restoration appeal was ultimately the catalyst for the orchestra’s foundation 39 years ago."

This month's concert will be in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice, the York charity that provides specialist palliative care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Tickets cost £14, concessions £13, students/children £5, at academyofstolaves.org.uk, in person from Visit York, Museum Street, on 01904 550099 or on the door.