THE first Serenata of the new year is nothing if not varied.

The concert is opened by a wind ensemble, made up of players from Peebles Orchestra, playing one of Dvorak’s most popular works. A short song recital follows, performed by a soloist well known on Peebles music scene but too rarely heard in this role.

After the tea interval (a most important part of every Serenata concert), there will be a programme of early music on 'interesting instruments’ and the afternoon is rounded off with some toe-tapping music from a small jazz group from the very popular Carlops Jazz Band. The concert is in the Eastgate Studio on Sunday, January 18, and starts at 2.30pm. Entry is by donation.