Live music lovers have some real treats lined up at Portico in Portaferry.

The new season kicks off in style on Saturday 3 February with a rare opportunity to hear baritone Sir Thomas Allen, courtesy of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Star of opera houses all over the world, he has sung over 50 roles at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. An acclaimed recitalist he will sing, accompanied by pianist Joseph Middleton, pieces from Schumann, Vaughan Williams and many others.

On Friday 16 February percussionists O Duo whizz around the stage in an exciting family concert performing an invigorating mix of classical music alongside popular classics from TV and film on a huge array of percussion including marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, drum kit, African and Brazilian drums! Supported by Ards Arts, all tickets cost just £5.

The Björn Identity will be raising the roof on Saturday 24 February. Exceeding all expectations of Abba tribute bands, they are widely known for their love of audience participation, Swedish humour, professionalism and commitment to the music of their idols. You will be dancing!

Bringing an exciting programme including Vivaldi, Hummel, Bach and Mozart, the Chamber Philharmonic Europe is performing on Saturday 14 April. With its outstanding reputation and astonishing soloists Cyrill Gussaroff (trumpet) and Michel Gershwin (violin), this promises to be an evening of exceptional chamber music.

And it doesn’t stop there! There’s a host of other great concerts lined up too including barbershop quartet 4 in a Bar, the fabulous Elvis Spectacular Show and theatre The Wonder Tales. More information on any of the above concerts can be found at www.porticoards.com or you can buy tickets in person at The Rock Bakery in Portaferry.