The programme for the 36th Ayr Concert Series, featuring four orchestral concerts  between October and February in the Town Hall, has now been revealed.

There will be two concerts by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and one each by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, brought by Ayr Arts Guild, supported  by Destination South Ayrshire.

The SCO opens the Series on Wednesday, October 9 with Baroque Inspirations and Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev as soloist playing harpsichord.

The programme consists of Poulenc's Concerto Champetre, Stravinsky's Suite Pulcinella, Vivaldi's Concerto in D minor, and Rameau's Suite Les Boreades.

On Thursday, December 19, the BBC SSO brings their popular programme of Christmas Classics with Jamie MacDougall, singer and presenter, and conductor Ben Palmer.

On Friday, January 3, the SCO returns with their ever tuneful New Year Gala concert bringing glitz and glamour from both sides of the Atlantic.

There will be traditional Viennese favourites including Radetsky March and Blue Danube, plus jazzy numbers from Bernstein's Wonderful Town and timeless hits from the Great American Songbook. The conductor will be Joanna Carneiro, joined by the brilliant Polish-American soprano Magdalena Kuzma.

On Friday, February 14, the Orchestra of Scottish Opera will play music from Wagner's Meistersinger and Siegrried Idyll conducted by Gabriella Teychenne and, after the interval, Bruckner's Symphony No. 4.

As in the last two seasons of concerts, there will be 100 free tickets made available to young musicians and a parent/carer through South Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service, supported by generous benefactors.

Last season 222 young people heard classical music, many witnessing the thrill of live performance by a professional orchestra for the first time.

Tickets are: Circle £25; Stalls: Adults £20, Under 26s £6, Under 18s £3, and are now on sale from The Gaiety Box Office, open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm; Saturday 10am to 1pm, Tel. 01292 288 235.