ANOTHER cold, drear February day was transformed from "a bit grim" to warm music-filled pleasure by the combination of this comfortable venue and a dazzling performance of piano music by Sid Ramchander in a well-balanced programme of works by Chopin, Schubert and Scriabin.

Schubert’s Drei Klavierstücke D 946 in three movements was composed just six months before his death. It was beautifully realised by Ramchander, who is a very expressive performer, and Schubert’s natural joy and buoyancy as well as the poignancy of imminent death came through in brilliant musicianship.

Another star was the beautiful piano available. This venue is fortunate in having such a fine modern instrument, so spritely, clear and clean in its tone.

Chopin’s Three Mazurkas Op. 59 followed – tuneful and brisk. No-one quite hits the spot like Chopin when it comes to piano music – he was voted top favourite in a recent survey conducted by the concert organiser.

Scriabin’s Piano Sonata No. 8 provided a sharp and effective contrast. This is a wandering, spikey, complex, difficult work, again excellently performed.

The Barcarolle in F Sharp Major, Op. 60, by Chopin, with its gentle rocking theme, soothed our senses again, revealing the outstanding quality of instrument and exponent, rounding off a very enjoyable programme.

However, young Ramchander was not allowed to disappear quite yet. The enthusiastic audience demanded an encore, and was rewarded with Brahms Op. 118 No.2, performed with superb grace and finesse.

Ramchander is a fine classical stylist, a pleasure to observe as well as listen to, who is almost certainly heading for a brilliant career on the concert platform.

The next concert organised by Classical Cleveland at Stokesley Methodist Church featureS Graham Scott, Piano, on Thursday, March 31, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 from Browns, Stokesley, or £12 at the door.

Irene MacDonald