THE Eastgate Serenata season opens this weekend with a high class concert presented by double bill soprano Maddy Keams and pianist Douglas Holligan.

The first half of the concert is a song recital by soprano Maddy accompanied by Douglas. Maddy’s programme is delightfully varied with songs by Handel, Mahler, Britten and Tosti, ending with Roger Quilter’s arrangements of Scottish Folk Songs. After the tea break, Douglas Holligan takes centre stage.

Anyone who heard Douglas’ piano recital last season will be excited at the opportunity to hear this talented performer again. His programme is intriguing – billed as 'The Art of the Encore’ he promises music by Rachmaninov, Ravel, Brahms and Schubert. Douglas will explain how the pieces are linked in his well thought out introduction and we can be sure this will be a memorable musical experience.

The concert starts in the Eastgate Studio, Peebles, on Sunday, November 9, at 2.30pm and entry is by donation.