THERE have been some great classical concerts to mark the beginning of the year and I'm pleased to say that the music continues into February.

At Keele University's Westminster Theatre on Wednesday evening the Maggini Quartet perform a concert of Haydn, Schubert and Malcolm Arnold as part of Keele Concert Society's 38th season.

It starts at 7.30pm. Call 01782 717058 for tickets and more information.

Moving to next weekend the Johann Strauss Orchestra and Dancers return to the Victoria Hall on Sunday, February 8, to perform an elegant night of Strictly Strauss music.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and you can expect to hear favourites such as the Tritsch Tratsch Polka and the Blue Danube Waltz. It starts at 7.30pm. Call 0870 060 6649.

The lunchtime concerts continue at St Paul's Church in Newcastle on Tuesday, January 10, with music coming from Keele University finalists.

Music lovers are invited to come and support these young people as they come to the end of their studies.

It starts at 12.30pm and admission is free.

Before then, however, Audley Male Voice Choir, pictured below, and mezz-soprano Pam Clarke bring this month to a close with a concert at All Saint's Church, Madeley, tomorrow night at 7pm. Tickets, priced £7, include post concert refreshments and are available at the door or by calling 01270 820053/01270 820538.