FANS of the organ can look forward to hearing the keyboard virtuosity of some of the most celebrated players in the region in a new series of concerts.

Kendal Parish Church hosted an autumn series of lunchtime organ recitals last year that proved so successful that the church is making the tuneful treats a regular feature for 2017.

The new season of fortnightly, Friday lunchtime organ concerts opened with Adrian Self, esteemed organist of Cartmel Priory, who has made a massive contribution to choral and organ music throughout the North West.

Next, in the popular series of 45 minute recitals on February 10, will be another highly regarded Lakeland musician, Charles Edmondson, a former music advisor and conductor in Humberside, cathedral recitalist, and sought after accompanist.

The February 24 concert features Ian Thompson, an international opera singer and soloist and renowned harpsichordist. Ian is musical director of Cockermouth Harmonic Society and last year stepped down as conductor of Kendal South Choir.

Another distinguished name in the area's music circles follows on March 10. In demand as a recitalist across the world, Ian Hare's appeared at the Proms, is a recording artist, and former cathedral and Lancaster University organist.

The series finale is on April 7 courtesy of Geoff Field, an organist and conductor, from London, who has recently retired to Kendal.

The concerts have been organised by the church’s organist, Andy Plowman. A retired insurance manager and actuary, Andy is a well-known and highly regarded concert accompanist for local choirs and a supply cathedral organist across the UK. He was in great demand during Christmas performing with Levens Singers, Kendal Choral, Kendal South Choral, Cartmel Choral and Ambleside Choral, as well as choirs on his home patch at Lancaster.

Andy performs on Friday, March 24.

Forthcoming recitals will also feature Ian Pattinson, organist of Lancaster Priory, and Jonathan Bielby, organist emeritus of Wakefield Cathedral and now a member of the congregation at Kendal Parish Church.

The town’s parish church is unusual in having two organs and the concerts provide a fantastic opportunity to hear both historic instruments.

The main organ was originally built in 1877 by the famous organ builders Willis. Last rebuilt in 1969, it now sits on a gallery underneath the west tower. A large and complex machine of wood, metal and leather, with thousands of moving parts, it has more than 2,300 pipes and weighs in at an impressive 12 tons.

After nearly 50 years of regular use the organ is now showing its age and needs a major rebuild and donations from the concerts will go towards the work.

Performances run from 12.30pm-1.15pm.

For further information visit www.kendalparishchurch.co.uk or email office@kendalparishchurch.co.uk.