HIGHLY-acclaimed pianist Mark Bebbington is beginning a residency at Pershore's Number 8 Community Arts Centre and has also chosen the venue to record a new CD.

Over a year, Bebbington will be giving three recitals at Number 8, each including associated performances in outlying community centres in the area.

The first performance takes place on Saturday, October 22, at 7.30pm, with Schubert's last sonata D960, for which Bebbington has received glowing reviews.

This will contrast with the two neglected British pieces from the early 20th century. One will be the premiere performance of Constant Lambert's jazz-inspired 1925 Suite in Three Movements, which Bebbington recently recorded at Birmingham's Symphony Hall and the other is Frank Bridge's So-nata from 1921-24.

The residency scheme has been devised and financially supported by Wychavon District Council.

Number 8 spokeswoman Charlotte Saunders said: "We're very excited about it."

Mark Bebbington has been described by critics as 'truly a remarkable pianist' and his work as exuding 'extrovert energy and brilliance'.

He will be using Number 8 to make some recordings and then over the two days after the recital, he will be recording a CD of music by Frank Bridge, including the Sonata, due to be released next year.

For tickets to the recital, call 01386 555488 or call in at the Number 8 box office in High Street, Pershore.