Concert pianist to return

A prominent Italian pianist is making a welcome return to Alnwick.

Alessandaro Taverna, trained at the prestigious Accademia Pianistica in Imola, near Bologna, has played in the town on two previous occasions for Alnwick Music Society.

Taverna, 31, proved extremely popular on his last appearance in Alnwick, so it is advised to secure tickets in advance.

He first came to prominence in 2009 when he won a bronze medal at the Leeds International Piano Competition. However, the judges’ decision was controversial, with many in the audience believing he was deserving of gold.

Former Alnwick Music Society vice-chairman Myra Armistead invited first and third-placed musicians to play for members.

That this is his third visit is indicative of their preference. In any case, Taverna picked up the audience prize and subsequently won competitions in London and Minnesota.

When his CD of the three Medtner Sonatas was released, it received great acclaim for his dynamic control.

Taverna has toured the world and played with famous orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic.

The concert takes place at Alnwick Castle’s guest hall on Tuesday, September 15, at 7.30pm. His programme features the Four Chopin Ballades, Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit and concludes with Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz No 1.

Society membership for this seasons works out at £10.70 for each of the seven concerts.

It is not too late to join, and brochures are available at Alnwick Playhouse.

(Northumberland Gazette: http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/what-s-on/music/concert-pianist-to-return-1-7440827)