Music in West Kilbride has announced its programme for 2017-18 and kicks off with a trip of top performers.

The programme begins on Friday 20 October with a performance by the Tim Kliphuis Trio which is also the opening event in West Kilbride’s first arts festival, Vertex. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm.

The programme includes seven concerts in the period October 2017 to April 2018 and is star studded and full of wonderful Scottish talent.

Margaret McCrorie, chair of MiWK, said of the programme: ‘Every year we aim to strike a balance between diversity, international reach and local talent. This year I believe that we have excelled ourselves with a programme that includes many wonderful performers and a rich and varied palette of composers and styles.’

‘I am delighted that we are able to welcome back three artists who have delighted us in previous seasons: Tommy Smith, Stephen Osborne, and the irrepressible and joyous talent of Arta Arnicane, this time in duet with her husband as the Duo Arnicans.’

‘But all seven concerts are a treat, providing close encounters with some of Scotland’s best in the intimate setting of our village hall.

‘I am sure that Pauleen Hutchison, MiWK’s membership secretary is ready for the expected rush of membership applications!’

‘Every year around 80 people take advantage of our special offer. £50 for music that would cost over £75, if you could hear them in Glasgow. So membership is great value and all without the travel.’

Margaret drew attention to two new features of MiWK: ‘Our wonderful Steinway piano has been away in Helensburgh for a complete overhaul. This work was funded by the May Lockhart Trust for which we are very grateful. It means that Peter Johnstone, will have the honour of playing it in its first public performance, before it receives a thorough workout from Stephen Osborne in January.

‘We have also launched our first website so I urge all your readers to pay it a visit to www.musicinwk.org.uk for full details of the programme, the subscription package, and single ticket sales.’

‘We look forward to sharing with old and new friends some of the best sounds to be heard in