An internationally renowned concert pianist is to play in Sidmouth next weekend alongside the Isca Ensemble in a special performance at the Parish Church.

Mark Bebbington will be performing the much-loved Fifth Piano Concerto by Beethoven, the ‘Emperor’ in a full programme of popular classics.

Tickets are selling fast for the concert on Saturday, November 29 which will start at 7.30pm.

The critical plaudits which have greeted Mark Bebbington’s performances and recordings have singled him out as a British pianist of the rarest refinement and maturity.

Increasingly recognised as a champion of British music, Mark has appeared in concertos with the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic and Philharmonia Orchestras, the London Mozart Players and the Orchestra of the Swan

He has featured both as soloist and recitalist on BBC Television and Radio and also on major European Television and Radio networks.

Following on from its highly successful Tenth Anniversary season, the enterprising and locally-based Isca Ensemble will also be performing Schumann’s popular and romantic Fourth Symphony to complete the concert.

Opening the concert will be talented Devon composer, Alfie Pugh, who will perform a specially commissioned new work.

Entitled ‘Aegean Fantasies’, this delightful piece is in three short movements written in conventional style, containing some wonderful episodic writing for all sections of the orchestra including the use of vibraphone, xylophone, celesta and various percussion instruments.

Inspired by his travels and the magic of Aegean culture, Alfie has imaginatively woven into his music some beautiful and occasionally unusual colourful sections as in the quirky opening movement

Tickets can be bought in advance from Paragon Books, in High Street, through the orchestra’s website www.iscaensemble.org.uk or on the door.