FOUR special concerts are lined up for Bach lovers in rural Dorset next month.

The Christian Garrick Quartet is performing Beginning with Bach in Cerne Abbas, Sturminster Newton, Hinton Martel and Chetnole.

The quartet is returning to tour on the Artsreach circuit for the first time in six years.

In 2013 The Christian Garrick Quartet created a Bach-styled programme especially for the Bach Unwrapped Festival held at London’s King’s Place and, following this success, are now touring the show nationwide.

Included in the programme are original jazz compositions based on Bach’s keyboard preludes, irresistible arrangements of some of his compositions, and Bach-based music from such luminaries as George Shearing, Jacques Loussier and Chucho Valdés.

Front man and virtuoso violinist Christian Garrick is joined by gifted pianist David Gordon, award-winning jazz bassist Alec Dankworth and outstanding drummer Tom Hooper, completing a lineup of huge musical calibre. With just four special performances in Dorset this autumn, early booking is advised.

Christian said: “Whether I'm playing in the Barbican Hall or a tiny village hall, the feeling’s the same as far as the audience is concerned: listeners are the most vital component in the performance and their engagement is paramount.”

On Thursday, October 2, the quartet is at Chetnole Village Hall at 7.30pm. Call 01935 873555 for tickets. On Friday, October 3, they are at St John’s Church, Hinton Martel at 7.30pm. Call 01258 840066. On Saturday, October 4 at 7:30pm, the tour reaches Cerne Abbas Village Hall. Call 01300 341322 And on Sunday, October 5, the tour is at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton at 7.30pm. Call 01258 475137 for tickets.