ONE of the UK's top classical guitarists, Raymond Burley, was rushed in to hospital on the day he was due to perform in Swindon.

The guitarist was due to play at the Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday, November 9, at a lunchtime concert as part of the Swindon Recital Series.

Paul Turner, international pianist and founder/artistic director of the series, heard about Raymond's plight only hours before he was due to perform.

Too late to cancel the concert, Paul hurriedly came up with a selection from his own repertoire and stepping into the breach on the Wyvern stage, playing Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin to an appreciative audience, and finishing with Over the Rainbow for an encore.

Paul will be back in action again as part of the recital series, accompanying flautist Lisa Nelsen at the Arts Centre on Sunday, November 27, at 3pm.

The recital series that takes place between September and April was set up by Paul, 23 years ago, with the aim of bringing world-class chamber music by professional musicians to Swindon.

Raymond, who has played with the BBC Symphony, the Philharmonia, the English Chamber and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and on various film scores, is fortunately now on the road to recovery and hopes to perform his set for the recital series next year.

For more details and tickets to the rest of this season's recital series call 01793 524481 or visit www.swindonrecitalseries.org