Swindon Recital Series is the highlight of the classical music calendar in the town and each concert has an eminent musician as guest artist.

It is all down to the town’s own professional concert pianist Paul Turner who founded the series by cajoling his famous pals in to playing in Swindon.

Gradually over the last 20 years the recital series has built up its own reputation and now top names are delighted to accept Paul’s invitation to play either at the Wyvern Theatre or in the intimate surroundings of the Art Centre.

This season’s offering is classed as music to brighten up a winter’s day as the big name is Paul himself playing classical film music.

It is a lunchtime concert at the Wyvern Theatre and there is tea and cake on offer in the foyer beforehand.

Paul said: “The film, TV and advertising industries know a good thing when they see or hear it. It’s amazing how often they plunder classical music to support and reinforce what is being presented on the screen.’’

The pianist will be getting his own back by performing a programme of works that have been featured in films such as The Sting, Ocean’s Eleven, The Piano, Pride and Prejudice and even Tom and Jerry.

Paul has worked all over the world and played with some top names such as Michael Colins, Nicholas Daniel, Caroline Dale, Sarah Markham, Jack Brymer and Elizabeth Watts, as well as appearing as a concert soloist with the English Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets to the concert, which begins at 1.05pm, on Wednesday, January 22, at the Wyvern Theatre are £5 from 01793 524481 or visit www.swindonrecitalseries.org. - Flicky Harrison