The popular music centre traces its Hitchin roots back to 1929 and has a busy calendar of events coming up in 2025.

Benslow Music has recently released its full 2025 programme, jam-packed with concerts and short music courses across classical, jazz, popular and folk music.

There is an embarrassment of riches for Hitchin residents to choose from, whether you're looking to listen, take up an instrument or a seasoned player.

Their 2024 concert series culminates this evening with the Bingham String Quartet and pianist Nigel Clayton.

From 7.30pm they'll be playing music by much-loved English composer Elgar, alongside special telling of Dickens's A Christmas Carol interspersed with music for strings and piano.

Looking into next year, singers can try their hand an Italian bel canto arias, pianists can explore French and Spanish piano music and string players can focus on developing their playing technique with Hitchin-based tutors Janet Hicks and Willie Hicks.

There is also the return of popular courses FolkFest and JazzFest, plus a new Intermediate Jazz Improvisation course with local tutor Chris Pyne.

There are also lots of opportunities to play in groups and ensembles. String quartet and chamber music courses run throughout the year led by groups included the Consone, Tedesca and Fitzwilliam quartets. More unusual options include the new course Flute, Lute and Cello Baroque Weekend – lute players especially welcome! – or join an orchestra with Symphony in Weekend, and a Late Starter String Orchestra day for those newer to their instruments.

Concerts return in February with an eclectic mix of performances. You can check out the full programme on the Benslow Music website.