International classical music star returns home to boost Wigan Music Society funds
The latest Wigan Music Society season will be launched in spectacular style by one of the town’s famous sons.
Internationally-acclaimed pianist Nicholas Rimmer is coming home for a one-off recital featuring three of the keyboard repertoire’s greatest pieces.
The 45-year-old, orginally from Shevington Moor but a long-time German resident since, has won critical acclaim not only a soloist but also as an accompanist and member of the Trio Gaspard whose ongoing cycle of Haydn trios on the Chandos label has won many plaudits.
At 5pm on Saturday September 26, Nicholas will take to the piano at Trinity United Reformed Church, Milton Grove, for a concert a trio of masterpieces: JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations, Liszt’s barnstorming Sonata in B minor and then Moussorgski’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
There will be an interval after each piece, so those who cannot make the early start might be able to join for the latter works.
Admission to the recital is free but donations in a retiring are welcome for music society funds.
Details have also been issued for the remaining concerts of the 2026-27 season:
October 24, 7.30pm start – A Night at the Opera – with acclaimed Wigan soprano Lucy Farrimond, tenor Robert Forrest and pianist Tim Kennedy.
January 30, 3pm start – Junior Royal Northern College of Music – Listen to the up-coming musicians of the future chosen by the principal of JRNCM.
March 20, 7.30pm start – classical and jazz-inspired works – Heather Gordon-Redfearn (clarinet) and Eileen Guppy (piano).
May 1, 7.30pm start – masterworks for ’cello and piano – Jessica Burroughs (’cello), Benjamin Powell (piano).
June 5, 7:30pm start – a piano recital with Lewis Kingsley Peart.
Concert ticket prices will remain at £10 for members and patrons, £15 for guests. Organisers are also introducing a group ticket for five persons or more at £12 for each group member. All tickets are available from the music society website.
As a special offer for guests the society has introduced a 15 per cent discount for all five standard concerts purchased before the start of the October 24 concert: a saving of £11.25.
Tea, coffee, wine and juices are available at each concert for a reasonable donation to the society.