String quartets have long been a staple of Huddersfield Music Society seasons – ever since the organisation was founded nearly a century ago.

And the new 2015/16 season, which starts on Monday, October 5, is no exception.

It opens with a concert by the prize-winning and internationally-renowned German Henschel String Quartet, which is making a return visit to the town with a programme of Haydn, Schulhoff and Schubert.

The quartet was founded 21 years ago by siblings Christoph and Markus (violinists) and violist Monika together with cellist Mathias Beyer-Karlshøj. Brother Markus left the quartet in 2010, and was succeeded by Daniel Bell in 2012.

The musicians give masterclasses at colleges and universities and are known for their work promoting chamber music among young people.

The last time the musicians appeared in Huddersfield, three years ago, they braved appalling winter weather so that their concert could take place and played to a reduced but appreciative audience. This time it’s hoped they will have a warmer welcome from the elements.

Three more string quartets appear in the society programme, which ends in April 2016 with a performance by the Aurea String Quartet. The Glasgow-based quartet comprises four award-winning graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Another of Europe’s leading ensembles, the Cavaleri String Quartet, is to play in a Christmas concert in December.

During the season the society is hosting a variety of musicians – from woodwind players Trio Volant, accompanied by pianist Leanne Cody, to harpist Pippa Tunnell and flautist Katherine Bryan.

The music on offer varies from classical works by Mozart, Bach, Saint-Saens, Paganini and Brahms to those from less well-known composers as well as 20th century and contemporary musicians such as Ravi Shankar, Frank Bridge and William Alwyn.

Verity Cridland, subscriber’s secretary for the society, says the aim every year is to provide a season with something for everyone.

She explained: “We try to have some contemporary music and a few that are ‘way out’ – last season, for example, we had a percussion group playing classical music, and this season we have a couple of contemporary musicians. We also like to have a concert of early music as well as classical.”

The society has around 80 subscribers who fund the concerts in St Paul’s Hall.

The Henschel String Quartet, to appear with Huddersfield Music Society

Over the years the society, which is about to launch its 98th season, has attracted a number of high profile and world famous musicians to play and sing at its concerts.

It was, says Verity, one of the few music societies that continued to have concerts throughout World War Two. At the time it was felt that the music events provided much-needed morale.

The society is always open to new members. A season ticket at £98 gives subscribers access to all seven concerts in the series. Tickets for individual concerts are £18. Subscribers also get two free tickets to give to friends, so that they can sample what the society has to offer.

“One of the problems we are facing,” says Verity, “is that a lot of our subscribers are aged 60 and over, so we are concerned about the future. We are a self-funded society and get no financial help.”

However, it’s hoped that in the centenary year the society will put together a special anniversary programme, including a major celebratory concert.

Ticket and subscriber details for this season are available from www.huddersfield-music-society.org.uk

Huddersfield Music Society (or club as it was then known) was founded in 1918 by Arthur Eaglefield Hull, who also started the British Music Society and the School of Music in Huddersfield. He was organist at the parish church, a composer and musician.

Despite his considerable achievements, Arthur committed suicide in 1928 following allegations of plagiarism in a book he had written. His legacy, however, has been a society that over the years has hosted many well-established musicians as well as those at the beginning of their careers. In 1945 and 1947, for instance, composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears, who were personal and professional partners, visited the society.

Other notable musicians brought to Huddersfield by the society include the English composer, conductor and pianist Edward Solomon; pianist Sir Clifford Curzon, and the world-famous Halle Orchestra.