THE young British pianist Yuri Paterson-Olenich's playing has been variously described by leading critics as 'powerfully expressive,' 'astonishingly assured' and 'having poetic dreaminess.'

All these qualities and more were clearly evident in an outstanding recital he gave for the society's April concert.

Starting with the late Beethoven Sonata in E major, Yuri played two pieces from the Goya-inspired Goyescas by Granados.

The whole of the second half of the programme was taken up by Rachmaninov's second set of nine Etudes-tableaux.

Although conceived as a cycle, they are usually performed in smaller groups, such are the demands on the pianist.

The audience was totally enthralled with an exciting, virtuoso performance.

No less than three encores were demanded and given, including one by Scriabin, whose works feature on a best selling CD recently released by Yuri.

A truly wonderful evening's music making.

The final concert of the season takes place on Saturday, May 5, at 8pm at the Ecumenical Centre when the LITmus Trio of flute, cello and piano will give a programme of well-known and well loved music.

This will follow the society's AGM at 7pm, to which anyone interested is invited.

For more details, call 564056.