THE new season of lunchtime concerts begins at Cardiff's St David's Hall on Tuesday September 25 and continue throughout the autumn and winter.

The concerts begin at 1.05pm and last about 50 minutes. They offer a great chance to experience performances from world-class artists in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, whether you already enjoy classical concerts or have never been to one before.

This season, there is a wonderful choice of entertainment on offer, the talented performers from all over the world in a wide variety of concerts, from piano and organ recitals to choral concerts and trio and quartet performances.

The first concert in the series is at 1.05pm on Tuesday September 25 when virtuoso pianist Reiko Fujisawa performs a programme of Schubert, Beethoven and Toshi Ichiyanagi as part of the Japan 2001 Festival.

Other highlights of the series are performances from Swedish baritone Hakan Vramsmo on Tuesday October 30, the Tel Aviv Trio from Israel on Tuesday November 20, The Chorus and Orchestra of the Welsh College of Music and Drama on Thursday December 13, Welsh baritone Paul Carey Jones on Tuesday January 8, The Caractacus Quartet on January 15 and pianist Daniel Martyn Lewis on Tuesday January 29.

There is also a wonderful chance to hear the ceremonial music performed on special occasions at two of the country's great cathedrals in two concerts produced in association with Cardiff organ events. Andrew Reid, the sub-organist at Westminster Abbey, will perform a concert on Tuesday October 2 and Huw C Williams, sub-organist at St Paul's Cathedral, will appear on Tuesday November 6.

The ever popular Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral Choir are at the hall on Tuesday, November 27, heralding the festive season with a concert of traditional Christmas music sung by the choristers of the Metropolitan Cathedral of St David's.

You don't have to spend a lot of time or money enjoying these great performances. Tickets are just £4 each, with reductions for people who are over 60, Friends of St David's Hall, students, claimants or disabled and you can save even more money by booking a full or half-season ticket. Book your tickets now by calling the box office on 029 2087 8444.

For a free Lunchtime Concert brochure, call the Marketing Department on 029 2087 8543.