Pianist's extraordinary life takes another step with Deddington shows

The South African-born pianist has been received by dignitaries and grandees around the globe

The first will include 50 lyric pieces by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. The second includes a group of keyboard sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, the English Sonata hob50 by Joseph Haydn and pieces from The Years of Pilgrimage by Franz Liszt.

The pieces will be given a brief introduction, and each recital has two intervals, when soft drinks and refreshments will be served. Neil will be available to meet the audience and discuss the music performed.

The recital of Grieg lyric pieces will include his most celebrated compositions for the piano, including Papillon, To the Spring, Dance of the Trolls, Nocturne and The Wedding Day at Troldhaugen.

Neil’s talents have been in demand around the world.

London engagements include The Royal Festival Hall, The Commonwealth Institute, The Barbican Centre, Steinway Hall, Leighton House, The Waldorf, The Dorchester, The Ritz, The Savoy, The Grosvenor Chapel, Claridges, The Oxford and Cambridge Club, The Carlton Club, The Naval and Military Club, The Hurlingham Club and The Queen Mother’s Private Chapel.

He is the youngest person and the first pianist invited to join the board of UNICEF, and has had the honour of playing for being received in private audience by Sultan Hassanal Bokassa Mu’Izzadin of Brunei, His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Malaysia, King George Tupou Fifth of Tonga, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates, the Duke of Kent, Prince Andre De Borbon Parma,Prince Shwebomin of Burma, four British Prime Ministers and the family of Emperor Haile Sellasie.

Neil has been performing in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds for 30 years. Among his accomplishments in the establishing of Carousel Music, dedicated to providing music for senior citizens.

The concerts take place on Saturday September 10 and Saturday September 24. Both begin at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 on the door.