DIP into the unusual music of Dipper Malkin at Worcester’s Henry Sandon Hall.

Dipper Malkin are rapidly earning a reputation for “elevating traditional music to new heights of sturdy beauty and sophistication”.

A spokesman said: “The potent combination of John Dipper’s unusual, 14-string viola d’amore, and Dave Malkin’s finely honed accompaniments and unique voice have afforded them with glowing praise for their debut album, Tricks of the Trade, which featured in the Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Albums of 2017’ list.

“The highly-anticipated debut release made it clear that Dipper Malkin realise that they are the lucky benefactors of previous generations’ invention; the duo celebrate their inheritance through every note, whilst avoiding the trap of complacency by offering their own inventions.”

The spokesman added: “The album also provides a new lease of life for the viola d’amore, an unusual instrument from the baroque period with seven bowed and seven sympathetic strings.”

Dipper added: “I began investigating new ways to play more complex polyphonic accompaniments. Discussions with players such as Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, who uses instruments with a greater number of strings, led me to experiment with the viola d’amore.

“I’ve developed a new tuning system for the instrument, which has allowed new compositions to flourish.”

The duo assembled an illustrious cast to realise their debut release. BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year, Corrie Dick, features on two of the album’s ten tracks, “contributing percussion which ranges from dexterous and spacious to frenetic”.

Dipper Malkin are keen to “explore sonic possibilities and production values not always associated with folk music”.

The event takes place on Thursday, October 18, at 7.30pm.

For tickets, call 01905 611427 or go to worcesterlive.co.uk