As part of Southend City Council's Concert Series.

The critical plaudits that have greeted Mark Bebbington’s performances and recordings have singled him out as a British pianist of the rarest refinement and maturity. Internationally recognised as a champion of British music in particular, Mark has recorded extensively for the SOMM ‘New Horizons’ label to unanimous critical acclaim. His last seven releases have been awarded consecutive sets of five-star reviews in BBC Music Magazine and his most recent CD, ‘The Piano Music of Vaughan Williams’ reached No. 3 in the UK Classical Charts where it remained for eight weeks.

PROGRAMME

A programme ranging from one of Beethoven’s best loved piano works through to the dazzling virtuosity of Poulenc’s depiction of Naples; a chance to hear one of John Ireland’s masterpieces, too, in his richly colourful portrait of his beloved Guernsey.

Sonata in C minor op. 13 (Pathetique) - Beethoven

Prelude, Chorale and Fugue - Cesar Franck

‘Sarnia - an island sequence’ – John Ireland

Improvisation no XV ‘Homage a Edith Piaf’ - Francis Poulenc

Suite ‘Napoli’ – Francis Poulenc