It's a season they will look back on with encouragement.

Pianist Peter Mansfield admits it isn't easy for an ensemble which falls between two stools into what he calls "middle-aged syndrome".

"We are all established musicians but we haven't worked in this format before. If you look at what the clubs are programming, it's always a combination of established international artists and up-and-coming artists. We are too old and not famous enough in one way and not young and new enough in another."

But the signs are good. After starting rehearsals in October, they made their debut in May at the Brighton Fringe before also playing in Lewes.

"We have got an interesting mixture of backgrounds, and there is a diversity of approach that comes together for this group."

Peter grew up in choral singing before moving into a rock band and then discovering the delights of the piano. Now he also brings to the ensemble a particular interest in Argentine tango.

As he says, music-making is all about bringing together three elements - dance, song and emotion. Dance is the movement of the musician; song is the expression of voice; and emotion is what it is all about.

For Steyning, they will be playing "Schumann (mad, passionate), Mendelssohn (fantastical elves and fairies) and Tangos by Anibal Troilo, the King of Buenos Aires", he says.

For Peter, Steyning is a return to the place where he lived in the 1970s when his late father was the local postmaster.

Well known at the time for the sound of relentless practising above the sorting office, Peter is now making his first public appearance as a pianist in Steyning – 30 years on. Peter has lived in Sussex for 35 years, the last ten in Portslade.

Also in the ensemble is Sarah Nolan who switched from piano to violin in her teens and is in constant demand as player and teacher. One of the last students of Dr Shincho Suzuki, she is a member of the elite London Suzuki Group Teacher Training Course. Sarah has spent her entire working life in Sussex, and lives in Lewes.

Completing the line-up is Joe Giddey who has worked his way up from the Brighton Youth Orchestra to a varied career as a freelance session player with work ranging from TV shows backing Katherine Jenkins and five-string electric cello with the Mummers to recording and concert engagements with the English Chamber Orchestra. Joe was born in

Lewes, now living in Brighton.

Tickets are on sale for personal callers from Water Music, 58a High Street, Steyning and online at 3play.org.uk/booking.html. The recital starts at 3.30pm. Tickets £10, child/concession £5.