This month sees the start of the summer season at the London Jewish Cultural Centre, which promises a season of top-quality performances and talks by renowned figures from the world of music.

May begins with Sir Nicholas Hytner in conversation, on Monday, May 13 at 8pm. The director of the National Theatre is celebrating ten years in his post, and will discuss his numerous opera productions, the inspiration of music on his work, the theatre and the future of the arts.

The Mark Nightingale Quartet celebrate Cole Porter on Thursday, May 23 at 8pm, one of the 20th Century’s most popular and enduring composers. Explore his music with imaginative and accessible arrangements penned by the group’s bass player, Simon Woolf.

In June, Trio Shaham Erez Wallfisch present the Raphael Wallfisch 60th Birthday Concert, a unique occasion with this acclaimed group of musicians to celebrate the cellist’s birthday. The programme includes Grieg’s Andante con moto in C minor, Schubert’s Piano Trio No 1 in B flat major D898, and Brahms’ Piano Quartet in C minor Op 60. Sunday, June 16 at 3.30pm.

On Sunday, June 23 at 3.30pm, the Endellion String Quartet perform a double bill of Beethoven and Schubert’s passionate and profound masterpieces, including Beethoven’s String Quartet No 12 in E flat major Op 127, and Schubert’s String Quartet No 14 in D minor D810, Death and the Maiden.

The month finishes with Stephen Hough in conversation, on Wednesday, June 26 at 8pm. Renowned as a pianist and composer, writer, painter and poet, Hough has also been the recipient of numerous international prizes and awards.

On Thursday, July 4 at 8pm, The Alan Barnes Quartet present a Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw special, on the 75th anniversary of Goodman’s seminal concert at Carnegie Hall. The two men epitomised the Swing era and both were superb clarinettists.

  • London Jewish Cultural Centre, Ivy House, North End Road, Golders Green from Monday, May 13 to Thursday, July 4. Details: 020 8457 5000, www.ljcc.org.uk