MUSIC loving students from Lancaster are to kick off a free summer season of concerts in the city.

The St Martin's College Community Concert Ensemble will showcase a range of music, covering genres from swing to pop and musicals in the first of this year's St John's Lunchtime Con-cert Series next Thursday (May 27).

It will take place in St John the Evangelist Church, Chapel Street, and, while there is no admission fee, donations in aid of the church development fund will be welcome.

The young musicians involved next Thursday come from a range of different disciplines and undertake regular outreach' classes both to support charities and interest school pupils in music.

Leading the ensemble will be Hugh Smith, senior lecturer in music, who has wide performing and music interest and also directs the St Martin's College Choir and Community Concert Band.

And it will also feature Peter Noke, who is pianist in residence at St Martin's and a lecturer in music.

The performance is billed as guaranteed to take the audience on an intriguing musical journey.' It starts at 12.45pm and will last for 45 minutes.

The follow-up concert in the summer season will see the Russell and Billingham Guitar Duo visit St John's on Thursday, June 10.

For more information on the lunchtime season, call 01524-582803.