'Fantastic' local musician's homecoming

 Local concert pianist sensation Warren Mailley-Smith will be making a rare Sussex appearance on Saturday 11^th December at 7.30pm at a Christmas Classical Concert Spectacular in local St Margaret’s Church, Buxted Park, East Sussex.   The audience will be treated to a range of popular classics including the glittering Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin and Beethoven’s timeless Moonlight Sonata.   The event also features a tantalising selection of the world’s best loved operatic arias which will be performed by special guest and rising opera star, soprano Susan Parkes.

Pianist Warren grew up in Sussex, making his solo performing debut at the age of 12 in the Hawth Theatre whilst he was studying at the Royal College of Music Junior department on Saturdays. Warren, now 34, has since gone on to make music his life and recently made his debuts at New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Wigmore Hall. The classical star was recently featured as a Classic FM ‘CD of the week’ and was described by the station as “Fantastic, Sensational, Gorgeous...” (Classic FM) .

He now lives in the East Sussex village of Maresfield and currently enjoys a busy performing schedule both nationally and internationally.  He can be seen at the Hawth Crawley in 2011 once again – this time making his debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on May 22^nd in a performance of Beethoven’s piano concerto No 5 ‘ The Emperor’. 

He said, 'One of the best things about being a concert pianist is the variety of my working life from one week to the next.  For example, last week I gave a series of community concerts in Yorkshire, next week I am giving two recitals on board the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship in the Caribbean and then back to the UK for a series of Christmas concerts in London, kicking off with the concert in Buxted on December 11.'

Warren appeared for the Uckfield music society some years ago and has since stayed in close contact with the musical scene there.  He added, 'St Margaret’s in Buxted Park is one of those rare and fortunate churches that is not only picturesque with a great acoustic, but also has its own beautiful new grand piano in situ, crying out to be played.'

The sparkling Soprano Susan Parkes will be including some festive numbers at the same event.  Add to the mix some complimentary mulled wine in the interval and this evening promises to be the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Classical Concert Spectacular , Saturday 11^th December at 7.30pm, St Margaret’s Church Buxted Park, TN22 5AY.  Tickets cost £15 and are available online from www.warrenmailley-smith.com/tickets.html ,  07949 321142, or emailing enquiries@uk-pianist.com .  Tickets available on the door. Early booking is advised as seats are limited.