INTERNATIONAL pianist Benjamin Frith takes to the stage in Clitheroe with the Settle Orchestra next Saturday.

The concert, at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School's Chatburn Road site, features the top pianist in Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1.

The programme also includes Beethoven's Overture 'Fidelio,' Tchaikovsky's 'Fatum' Symphonic Poem and Schumann's Manfred Overture.

The Settle Orchestra has members from a wide area, including several from the Ribble Valley.

Benjamin Firth was born in South Yorkshire and studied with top music teacher Fanny Waterman from the age of 10.

In 1989, he was awarded the Gold Medal at the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Masters Competition.

He has appeared with the world's finest orchestras, including the Israel Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic and the Halle.

Orchestra president Cynthia Laing, of Clitheroe, said: "The concert will bring music to Clitheroe that is both dynamic and melodic."

Tickets, £5, are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, Clitheroe (01200 425566) or on the door.

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