THE name Richard Lester has been synonymous with early music for decades and in particular, keyboard music from the 16th to the 18th century.

Richard, who lives in Cirencester, is an internationally recognised harpsichordist, organist and fortepianist whose recordings for Nimbus Records have received world-wide acclaim.

In 2013 he began a series of extremely successful Saturday morning Coffee Concerts at the Cirencester’s Bingham House Gallery designed for shoppers and lovers of classical music to take a break for 45 minutes, and for a modest donation, relax and listen to early classical music with a good cup of coffee.

These concerts will now continue at his home, Wistaria Lodge, 27, Upper Churnside, Cirencester on the Beeches Estate under the auspices of the Academy 4 Ancient Music: established for the preservation, propagation of early music; an organisation that promotes concerts, masterclasses and courses for exceptionally gifted students.

The first concert on Saturday, July 4 at 11am will be a harpsichord recital of music by Henry Purcell, George Friderick Handel, François Couperin and Domenico Scarlatti.

Other concerts this year will take place on Saturday, September 26 and Saturday, December 12, all at 11 am.

Donations will go towards future projects.

Wistaria Lodge, 27, Upper Churnside is located on the corner of Archery Road and Upper Churnside and close to the Beeches Stores.

Space is limited so an early arrival is advised. A donation of £5 to include a cup of coffee is suggested.