OVER 200 years ago this week, Taunton’s Assembly Rooms on The Parade had just been announced as the venue for a recital given by Franz Liszt, while on his second concert tour of Britain. 

Born in 1811, Franz was a Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist, conductor and teacher of the Romantic period.

He is considered to be one of the most prolific and influential composers of his era, and his piano works continue to be widely performed and recorded.

This has been the inspiration for a series of recitals in celebration of this fact. 

On Sunday 8th September. at 3.00pm, Michael Montavont will launch the series at the first recital in St John’s Church, Park Street, Taunton.

The programme will include some of the Lieder by Schubert and Chopin that Liszt transcribed  “Années de pèlerinage” by Liszt and Sonata in A Flat by Beethoven. 

Tea and cakes will be served after the performance.

Entry is free but there will be a retiring collection to help support the team organising the event.

The series will continue with the second recital being given on Friday 27th September by leading French pianist, Patrick Hemerle, after this more recitals will follow next year.