WITH the Plymouth Orchestral Concert Series done and dusted, the chances of seeing top international or even national ensembles in the city seem unlikely for the foreseeable future.

Our own symphony orchestra has, however, been central to the musical life of the city for over 130 years, and continues to perform varied repertoire, both traditional and contemporary.

Founded back in 1875 by local music teacher Dr Samuel Weeks, Plymouth Orchestral Society, as it was formerly known, made its debut in the graceful Tea Rooms in the city's old Royal Hotel.

Rebranded as Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, it can, in fact, claim to be one of the longest-established amateur orchestras in the country, with quite an amazing record of continuity, in that the founding conductor was succeeded by his son, and his grandson, John, was, until recently, a vice-president. Similarly, the present conductor, and well-known flautist in her own right Anne Kimber, is only the sixth to assume the role! Regular patrons will know that the orchestra normally gives three concerts in Plymouth Guildhall each season, often with a repeat performance in the outlying area. The venue for its next concert on Wednesday June 17 at 7.30pm is, however, St Andrew's Church, in order to accommodate two large-scale works that will make full use of the church's magnificent Rushworth & Dreaper organ. One of the last to have been built in the Romantic tradition, this exceptionally fine instrument should prove the perfect vehicle for Saint-Saëns's Symphony No 3, better known as the Organ Symphony, and Poulenc's Concerto for Organ, Timpani and Strings. Pulling out all the stops will be locally-based organist Jonathan Watts, and the orchestra will be led once more by Paul Mathews. Vaughan Williams's overture to The Wasps, and Delius's Walk to the Paradise Garden complete what should be a highly-attractive programme. Tickets (£13/£11 concessions/£5 students and children) are available in advance from Vibes Music, online at wegottickets.com, or at the door. For further information visit the PSO's website (www.plymouthsymphony.co.uk).

If piano music is more to your liking, and especially something with a decidedly modern feel, then the same evening and start-time Frank Denyer and Catherine Laws give the next recital in the Peninsula Arts Contemporary Piano Series at Theatre 1, in the university's Roland Levinsky Building.

Frank and Catherine have chosen pieces for their recital that span the last hundred years, and explore the expressive range and rhythmic power of two pianos. The programme moves from early twentieth-century classics by Debussy and Stravinsky, through Hanns Eisler's short dramatic Overture, Cardew's folk-tune-based Rhapsody, and Japanese composer Jo Kondro's percussive Dance, to the premiere of a new commission from local composer Lona Kozik.

Tickets (£5 concessions available) are available from the Box Office (01752 585050) or at the door.

On Friday June 19, if you're a chamber-music aficionado, then the Divertimento Ensemble, directed by cellist Vicky Evans, plays Wagner's Siegfried Idyll, Purcell's Trumpet Sonata, and Spohr's delightful Nonet in St John's Church, Bridgetown, Totnes at 7.30pm.

Tickets (£12 / £6 children) are available at the door, or in advance on 01803 863677. This weekend, at Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot, Cornwall Youth Music presents the County Youth Jazz Orchestra & Percussion Ensemble on Friday June 19, the County Youth Wind Orchestra on Saturday, both starting at 7.30pm, and string music with the County Youth Orchestra on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm. For further information and booking, please contact the Box Office (01579 320251).

Meanwhile, the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir presents 'The Best Things in Life are Free', a potpourri compiled by musical director Jenny George, with the first performance at Plympton St Maurice Parish Church on Friday June 19 at 7.30pm, as part of the Summer Festival. Tickets (£4) are available at the door, or from Tony Eden (01752 339061).