AN international pianist who hails from Blackburn has fought off chicken pox to perform at the closing concert of a top piano festival tonight.

The Ribble Valley International Piano Week has been taking place at the Centenaries Theatre, Stonyhurst. where internationally-acclaimed pianists have been performing recitals of Chopin's work to mark the 150th anniversary of his death.

Tonight's gala recital at 7.30pm will feature Martin Roscoe performing Chopin's Sonata No. 2 and Beethoven's Sonata in A Flat.

Martin Roscoe, who lived in Blackburn for 21 years, is one of Britain's busiest concert pianists.

But he had to bow out of a recital at the opening of the festival after being struck down with chicken pox.

Festival spokesman Gail Dudson said it had been touch and go whether Martin would be performing at tonight's closing concert.

"He was struck down by chicken pox last weekend and had to withdraw from the opening concert, but has said he feels well enough to play tonight. His fans who are hoping to attend have been ringing us for regular updates," she said.

Martin Roscoe also co-directed the Ribble Valley International Piano Week with Michael George, senior manager of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Manchester.

Further information and tickets for the concert are available from the Centenaries Theatre on 01254 826063.

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