GAZETTE & HERALD: Internationally renowned pianist Roman Rudnytsky will be performing at a fund-raising concert at St. Mary's Church, Calne, after practising on the church's piano while staying with a friend.

The award-winning and virtuoso pianist will be playing at an event at the church on September 25.

The American is one of the world's most travelled concert pianists and suggested to the Rev Bob Kenway after practising in the church before a concert that he would do such an event.

Mr Rudnytsky's friend, Maureen West, who he stayed with in Calne, said: "We needed a piano and we had asked permission some time ago so he practised for a forthcoming concert on the church's piano.

"He practised there on three occasions at the church and said he would do a fund-raising concert when talking to the vicar and his wife and they jumped at the idea."

Mr Rudnytsky, who is about to embark on a series of concerts in Peru, said: "Often in my travels when there's a chance to do some charity work I like to do this sort of thing.

"Churches are lovely. Venues are different. I enjoy playing in venues that aren't the large halls because the audience connects with you better, they see you better and they listen better. When it's different or a more unusual set up I enjoy it.

"I talk to the audience in between so it's a little bit less impersonal and they are like oral programme notes.

"I have played in quite a few churches. I was over in early July and I had seven concerts and some were in churches.

"Those are the kinds of settings where the audience and performer are quite close and I enjoy that.

"I've just come back from Macedonia too and both of those concerts were in churches."

The Friends of St. Mary's are ecstatic that they have managed to get such a big star to do an event and hope the funds raised will keep their historic organ in order and help build toilets and a kitchen.

Mr. Rudnytsky has an entirely musical family, with a conductor father from western Ukraine, an opera singer mother from south east Ukraine and a brother who is a cellist in Germany.

He is a graduate of the famous Juilliard School in New York and a prize-winner in ten piano competitions, including such prestigious events as the International Leventritt Competition in New York and the International J.S. Bach Competition in Washington.

Mr. Rudnytsky, who has appeared in over 80 countries, now conducts master classes and workshops for local piano students and teachers during the course of his travels.

Audrey Forrest, secretary for the Friends of St. Mary's said it was great to have him help out: "It's not often in this part of the world that we get someone as widely regarded or well known as this."

Mrs Forrest said that the money raised would go towards both projects.

"We are restoring the organ which is of historic value to organists and the church.

"There's a project to put in toilets and a kitchen in the church so it can be used by the wider community.

"The church was called the cathedral of North Wiltshire when it was first opened because it's such a good building, it can be used by everyone and should be kept for future generations."

The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for concessions and £3 for children and are available from Church House, the Information Office, Bank House, or Goldman's, all in Calne. For information call Audrey Forrest on (01249) 817592.