THE prestigious London Mozart Players will be playing at The Anvil several times this season – and the first visit takes place next week.

The world-class musicians that make up Anvil Arts’ Orchestra in Association will be coming to Basingstoke three times during the 2010-2011 International Concert Series, each time under the baton of Gérard Korsten, who has just begun a three-year term as LMP’s music director.

Next Wednesday, October 6, Korsten will be making his first appearance at The Anvil in his new position.

He will begin by leading the players through the six movements of Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, a reaction to the destruction he saw in the First World War, and each movement is dedicated to a victim of the war.

Schumann’s beautiful and underrated Cello Concerto disregards the notion of an heroic soloist pitted against the forces of the orchestra in favour of something much more collaborative and intimate. Maximilian Hornung (pictured) is the soloist.

The evening ends with Mozart’s Posthorn Serenade, which was written in 1779, possibly for an end-of-year ceremony at Salzburg University.

The seven movements are contrasting in tempo and orchestration, ending with a presto finale which includes celebratory flourishes from the posthorn.

On November 10, Korsten and the LMP return for performances of Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, Mozart’s Piano Concerto 25, featuring pianist Francesco Piemontesi, and closing with Brahms’ First Serenade.

Towards the end of the season, on May 11, Korsten and the orchestra will make a final appearance, playing Haydn, Strauss, Elgar and Mozart.

Beginning with the imposing opening of Haydn’s penultimate symphony, Symphony 103 (Drumroll), the players will then perform Strauss’ Oboe Concerto, with Francois Leleux as the soloist.

The evening continues with Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and ends with Mozart’s Symphony 35.

Tickets to see London Mozart Players are priced from £17, with concessions available, including half-price for students and under-16s.

For more information or to book, call Anvil Arts on 01256 844244 or go online to anvilarts.org.uk.