THE Brunton’s forthcoming programme of classical music has been described as “an autumn to treasure” by organisers.

Events are taking place at a temporary home in Northesk Parish Church on Bridge Street, Musselburgh, as The Brunton, across the road on Ladywell Way, remains closed following a roof survey.

The concerts are programmed by James Waters, who is also artistic director of the Lammermuir Festival.

He said: “We have an exciting autumn’s classical music before us. Through the season we will be presenting a series of concerts by star players from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

“October sees principal flute Katherine Bryan in Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Richard Strauss, and clarinettist Timothy Orpen offers Mozart, Debussy and Brahms in November.

“Our night of opera hits in October with terrific singers promises an irresistible evening, and the Royal Northern Sinfonia bring us their traditional candlelit concert at Advent.

“Add in three lunchtime concerts given by thrilling young artists and we have an autumn to treasure.”

The Brunton’s ‘Bite-Sized Concerts at Lunchtime’ series, which features established and emerging prize-winning performers, offers an optional soup and sandwich served in the church hall at noon.

This allows people to relax, meet and make friends before the hour-long concert at 1pm.

Pianist Ariel Lanyi plays ‘Romantic Piano Masterpieces’ on Tuesday, November 5.

Now developing a major international career, he returns with a programme built around two works – Schubert’s Piano Sonata in G major D894 and Mendelssohn’s Fantasy in F sharp minor Op 28.

‘Glorious Piano Music’ is played by pianist Ignas Maknickas at lunchtime on Tuesday, December 10.

Pieces of romantic music frame this programme, including Schubert’s piano sonatas and Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantasie, which is described as one of his last and greatest piano works.

The new series of concerts with soloists from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra begins with ‘The Virtuoso Flute’ on Wednesday, October 9, at 7.30pm.

Flautist Katherine Bryan, accompanied by pianist Scott Mitchell, presents music by Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Richard Strauss.

Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) principal clarinettist Timothy Orpen plays ‘The Virtuoso Clarinet’ on Wednesday, November 20, at 7.30pm, accompanied by pianist Scott Mitchell.

This programme includes classical Mozart, romantic Brahms, impressionistic Debussy and concludes with some fireworks by Giampieri.

Northesk Church is filled with sounds of ‘A Night of Opera’ on Thursday, October 24, at 7.30pm. The Classical Musicians Scotland orchestra will be joined by soprano Emily Mitchell, mezzo soprano Sarah Shorter, tenor Christian Schneeberger and baritone Douglas Nairne for the concert.

They will perform arias, duets, trios and quartets by Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Mozart and many more from the world of opera and operetta, including some Gilbert and Sullivan.

Bringing The Brunton’s autumn/winter programme to a close is a seasonal concert, ‘Christmas by Candlelight’, with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, led by Maria Włoszczowska, director/violin, on Sunday, December 1, at 7pm.

Described as “a treat for a dark winter’s night”, the performance will have a selection of “atmospheric” pieces chosen to bring cheer in the festive season.

The orchestra combine classical chart-toppers with lesser-known gems.

Tickets are available online at thebrunton.co.uk and also by phoning 0131 653 5245 or from The Brunton’s box office counter, Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm.