Recital Series, John Lill, Peter Humphreys Centre, 7.30pm

The first recital in the new season of the Oswestry School Recital Series was given on the school's new grand piano in the Peter Humphreys Centre. A capacity audience was treated to a dazzling performance by one of the most acclaimed and popular pianists in the world, John Lill.

The opening piece - the great transcription for piano of Bach's D minor Chaconne, by Busoni - showed off the full potential of the new instrument, and revealed clearly the pianist's wonderful sense of form and structure. Beethoven's ‘Pathetique' Sonata followed, in a measured and restrained performance. There was none of the sense of rush which often mars performances of this popular work, and the slow movement's warmth and lyricism contrasted well to more dramatically dark outer movements. Four Preludes by Rachmaninov concluded the first half.

The short set of pieces by Schumann, his ‘Kinderszenen' - ‘Scenes from Childhood' - followed, played with affecting tenderness. To conclude, the mighty Sonata in B minor by Liszt proved the highlight of the evening. The technical demands made by this work are huge - after all, Liszt himself was a legendary pianist - but John Lill made light of them, and gave a towering performance of sheer bravura. The rapturous reception given him at the end was rewarded with a popular encore - Chopin's ‘Revolutionary' Study -but not before Mr Lill commented on how very much he liked the new piano.

The next concert in the Series is on 25 October in Holy Trinity Church. The Esjberg Ensemble from Denmark will include in their programme Schubert's glorious Octet and the Piano Quintet by Schumann. Tickets, plus details of future concerts, are still available from Music Makers and from the school box office - 681135.

SUBSCRIBER AND TICKET DETAILS

1 John Lill	£16
2 Esbjerg Ensemble	£14
3 Tasmin Little	£16
4 City of London Sinfonia	£16
5 Royal String Quartet	£14
6 The King's Singers	£16

Subscriber Ticket	£66

The Subscriber Ticket covers all six concerts, guarantees seats, mailings, and occasional free pre-concert drink. It represents a saving of almost 30% on the full price, and buys six marvellous concerts for just £11 each.

All tickets are available at half price for children.

Don't hesitate!

Tickets and further information from:

Mrs Frances Davies

Oswestry School

Upper Brook Street, Oswestry,

Shropshire, SY11 2TL

Telephone 01691 681135

The Secretary

Oswestry School Bellan House

Music Makers, Albion Hill, Oswestry