Morpeth Music Society concert: Sarah Beth Briggs, piano

Anonymous

Beethoven Six Bagatelles Op. 126
Haydn Sonata in C Hob XVI/50
Hans Gál Preludes Op. 65
Debussy Bergamasque
Chopin Berceuse Op. 57
Mendelssohn Variations Sérieuses Op. 54

Newcastle born Sarah Beth Briggs first made an impression on audiences at the tender age of 11 as a finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. Since this early start, she has established a career as an in demand soloist and chamber musician performing internationally as well as making acclaimed recordings. Sarah often performs with violinist David Juritz and cellist Kenneth Woods.

Sarah's programme opens with six bagatelles by Beethoven - written in the same period as his iconic ninth symphony. The composer himself described them as 'the best that I have ever written'. In a similar classical vein, the next piece is a Haydn sonata followed by three dreamy preludes by the Austrian composer Hans Gál.

The second half of this concert will continue with Debussy's Bergamasque suite which includes the famous Clair de lune. The final works of the programme will be in a romantic mood with a Chopin berceuse or lullaby and Mendelssohn's Variations Sérieuses.

'..an exceptionally gifted musician'
The Guardian