TWO classic concerts feature at Helmsley Arts Centre this week, with the renowned Brodsky String Quartet and the French singer Eve Loiseau bringing the songs of Edith Piaf back to life.

The Brodsky Quartet formed in 1972 and has performed more than 2,000 concerts on the major stages of the world, releasing over 50 recordings and attracting numerous awards and accolades worldwide.

Throughout their 40-year career, the Brodsky Quartet has enjoyed a busy international performing schedule, and has toured extensively throughout Australasia, North and South America, Asia, South Africa, and Europe, as well as performing at many of the UK’s major festivals and venues. The concert takes place on Thursday, February 11.

Piaf: The Songs follows on Friday, February 13. Following Piaf’s 100th anniversary year, this powerful celebration comes from a company whose credentials include Kneehigh Theatre and Canteve Vocale.

Edith Piaf has become synonymous with French Cabaret of the 1940s and 1950s and remains France’s most popular singer. This acclaimed show has played more than 100 venues and festivals around the UK and abroad and is now back by popular demand and in its sixth year.

The singer Eve Loiseau’s passion for Piaf developed at a young age and since her debut at the Royal Festival Hall in 2002, Eve Loiseau has given recitals in England, New York and France and has featured on radio and television.

Eve will be accompanied by violinist Fiona Barrow who has worked extensively in theatre as a performer, musical director and composer, including a sell-out run on Broadway and tours of Europe, Australia, and USA.

One of the UK’s most influential accordionists, Murray Grainger has played accordion everywhere from Celtic Connections to The Royal Albert Hall and is equally at home playing folk music or contemporary opera.

Shakespeare's classic tragedy Macbeth is retold in a brave new adaptation by Plesion Theatre on Saturday, February 13.

Goodnight Macbeth is a two-handed performance adapted and directed by local young director Jolley Gosnold, who has previously led youth projects at the arts centre, worked on numerous productions in Malton and York and is currently studying at the Drama Centre in London.

Set in 2025, this version of the Scottish Play sees a time when the Scottish Nationalists have succeeded in their armed struggle for independence but must now deal with the ensuing infighting and destruction. Lady Macbeth, driven mad by the struggle and housed in an institution, is forced to confront the events leading to her incarceration.

"We are delighted to be welcoming this young company to Helmsley," said Artistic Director Em Whitfield Brooks. "It is a key role of arts centres to support emerging artists, as well as providing a platform for world class performance. I have known and worked with Jolley for many years, and am sure his career is set for great things. Come and support this new company as they breathe new life into the bard."

All events start at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the box office on 01439 771700 or online at helmsleyarts.co.uk