WORKS by Chopin and Faure herald the start of Stratford Music Society's new season of talks.

The composers are the subjects of the first meeting, at 7.30pm, on November 3, in the Shakespeare Institute, Church Street.

Other highlights of the season include David Curtis, director of The Orchestra of the Swan giving a view from the podium on January 9 and Professor Wilfrid Butt talking about Verdi's Otello on February 13.

Society committee member Jo Carver said: "The society is for people who want to deepen their knowledge of music.

"Although we do have live performances there is plenty of live music in Stratford. We try to offer something different."

Further details of the programme are available from on 01789 292528.