SOME say Wednesday lunchtimes aren't the same without a dose of culture at the midday concert club.

Others just wait in bridled anticipation as the next concert series dates are released.

Next week (October 2) the Northern Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble uncorks the 2002/03 star-studded season with one of the towering masterpieces of chamber music - Schubert's Octet in F major, a work of endless melody stemming from the latter part of the composer's short life.

A fortnight later (October 16), the glorious sounds of Haydn and Dvorak will drift through Kendal Town Hall courtesy of the Delme String Quartet, as the foursome, who have long held a place in the top echelons of British string quartets, celebrate their 40th anniversary together.

Pianist Bernard Roberts steps up to the Steinway on October 30 performing Beethoven, Debussy and Brahms, with The Langdale Ensemble of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn, playing on November 13.

November 27's recital is a double-hander, with outstanding young cellist Richard May, whose performances of the Bach Suites have been acclaimed for "absolute perfection and virtuosity," playing with pianist Nicholas Oliver.

Nicholas is a former student of both London's Royal College of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music at Manchester, and, among others, has studied under Martin Roscoe.

In 1984 he won the Young Pianist of the Year award, and has performed across the world.

The final midday event of 2002, on December 11, features tenor Mark Wilde and guitarist Helen Sanderson.

Music by Morley, Purcell, Walton, and Gerald Garcia is included in their varied and attractive sounding programme.

Now, for those who enjoy the finer points of the violin, the opening recital on January 8 is an absolute must.

Compelling, thrilling and astonishing are just some of the milder adjectives I've seen penned to described the breathtaking performances of Marat Bisangaliev (I've also seen him so I can vouch for that) and alongside the magnificent Yorkshire pianist Benjamin Frith, it could turn out to be one of the most memorable events in the history of the midday series.

But I don't want to build it up too much!

And so to the rest: January 22, The Eimer Piano Trio; February 5, The Ovid Ensemble; February 19, pianist Alba Ventura; March 5, the Goldberg Ensemble, and last but not least: March 19, and the series goes full circle concluding as it began with the artistry of the Northern Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble, with Stephen Reay (bassoon) and oboist, Marios Argiros.

Concerts run from 1pm-2pm.

Tasty snack lunches available from 11.50am.