ONE of the world's foremost string quartets is to feature in the Lancaster International Concert Series next Thursday, January 27.

The Lindsay String Quartet has been together for an incredible 39 years and 20 since the only change in personnel.

Peter Cropper (violin), Ronald Birks (violin), Robin Ireland (viola) and Bernard Gregor-Smith (cello) will play a programme including the Haydn String Quartet in D (Op.76 No. 5) and Bartok's String Quartet No. 2 in the Great Hall at Lancaster University.

Their interpretations are rooted in the European tradition of great quartet playing, and the intensity, spontaneity and communicative power of their performances have made them favourites throughout the world.

During their career they have performed more than 300 works and are particularly acclaimed for their interpretations of Beethoven and Haydn, which many consider to be without equal for imagination and insight.

The bad news is that the veteran players have decided that this is to be their last season so this will be their farewell concert at Lancaster.

Tickets are £13 and £10.50 (£10.50, £8 concessions.) from the box office on 01524-594151. Full details of the whole season are available at: www.lancasterconcerts.co.uk