It is no secret that each year I particularly look forward to Japanese-born Akiko Okamoto's piano recital. This year there are to be two; I was able to hear the first.
In the hour at the keyboard Akiko gave us a wide range of music. What was admirable was that it was all well known. It is so easy for performers to play something just a little obscure and although interesting not necessarily crowd pulling. Akiko chose music many of us would have aspired to in our own music studies - but with very considerable aplomb. Chopin, Bach, Brahms, Rachmaninoff and Bartók. The Bartók at the end was possible the least well known and the most sophisticated to play.
With a few moments left within her allotted hour, the encore was a repeat of the much loved Chopin Nocturne, and in her excitement she also gave us another playing of Chopin's Ballade. She had clearly enjoyed herself and so too had her audience.
Performance: Tuesday 9th August 2016 at 14:30, with a second recital on Wednesday 10th August at 14:30 with a different programme