THE winter season promises six months of entertainment thanks to a season of concerts organised by the Warwick Arts Society.

The International String Quartet series at the Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, features ensembles from across Europe, kicking off with the Ludwig Quartet of France on Friday, October 1.

The monthly shows will also include Germany's Henschel Quartet, The Bridge Quartet - with lead violinist Madeleine Mitchell - and leading Russian quartet the St Petersburg, making its third appearance at Leamington Spa.

The Earl's Music Series, at St Mary's Church, Warwick, boasts The English Concert, as well as choral music by Chapelle du Roi and Elizabethan tunes from The York Waits.

The Bach Players will be one of the highlights during the Christmas period while Ex Cathedra return to Warwick in January with cellist Jonathan Manson.

Two choral workshops will be held at St Nicholas Church, in Warwick - one based on music from the Cantiones Sacrae of 1575, on Saturday, October 2, the other on English and French choral music, on February 19.

The popular annual Kingsley School concert takes place on Tuesday, November 16, this year with Russian pianist Katya Apekisheva the star of the show.

Three days later The Mellstock Band returns to the Bridge House Theatre, in Warwick, with a programme of Ghosts and Lovers - Songs and Tales of the Erotic and Supernatural.

Macbeth the Panto will bring Christmas cheer from Tuesday, November 23 to Saturday, 27, while Armonico Consort's Christmas in Venice will also offer seasonal entertainment.

For more information log onto www.warwickarts.org.uk