Professional musicians Joanne Green (violin), Harriet Wiltshire (cello), and Paul Israel (piano) are set to bring an afternoon of classical music to Shepton Mallet this Sunday. Under the banner of the Breathe Ensemble, the trio will perform at St Peter and St Paul's Church on December 8th at 3 pm.

The programme features two deeply moving piano trios: Smetana's dramatic Piano Trio in G minor, renowned for its emotional intensity, and Fauré's Piano Trio in D minor, celebrated for its lyrical beauty and gentle melancholy. The performance promises to offer a heartwarming escape from the winter chill and a chance to enjoy music that speaks to the soul.

The event is part of Breathe Music, an organisation based in Wraxall founded by Joanne Green and her partner Michael James. Breathe Music aims to bring high-quality live classical performances to rural areas while supporting local musicians and preserving village churches.

Key goals of Breathe Music include:

• Bringing professional-level live classical music to rural communities.
• Providing local employment opportunities for musicians who often work in city centres or on tour.
• Showcasing village churches as beautiful venues for live music.
• Raising funds for churches, which receive 50% of concert profits.
• Introducing local schoolchildren to live music experiences through free workshops.

If the concert falls on a weekday, Breathe Ensemble invites primary school pupils to attend a rehearsal workshop, offering them a chance to learn about the instruments, composers, and classical music. Just last week, the group held a lively session with Pilton Preschool, where children danced and laughed as they enjoyed the music.

• Tickets for Sunday's performance are available now, with proceeds helping to support St Peter and St Paul's Church and Breathe Music's mission to enrich local communities through classical music.