Tenor Toby Spence and conductor Edward Gardner have launched Wardsbrook Concerts, a new annual song recital series, to take place in a 16th century thatched barn in Ticehurst, East Sussex. Throughout May and June this year, there will be four recitals in the 150-seat Tudor barn, which has been recently restored by Toby’s brother, Magnus Spence. Appearing this season will be Stéphane Degout (May 12), Sarah Connolly (May 26), Sir Thomas Allen (June 9), and Christiane Karg (June 23).

Toby Spence commented: ‘Magnus and I had always hoped to find a way to work together and we are delighted to be staging this perfect series of recitals and to be working with my friend and colleague, Edward Gardner. We are aiming to create something very special, every year, which guarantees first class music in an intimate setting with a beautiful acoustic. The recitals will be followed by a two-course lunch and the chance to meet the singers and discuss the music.’

All proceeds from the series will go to St Michael's Hospice in Hastings. For full details visit Wardsbrook Concerts.