Rising pianist Julian Clef, who has been supported by the generosity of Mansfield people during his studies, is to perform a concert at the Queen Elizabeth Academy, Mansfield, on Sunday, 2nd November.

Indian-born Julian (24), who will also be playing with the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra at the Albert Hall, Nottingham, in January, will be joined by local tenor Jason Darnell for the 3pm concert in Mansfield. Jason has a busy performing career abroad and in the Yorkshire area.

Tickets are £10. Call Sheila Haslam on 01623 627764, e-mail [email protected] or send a stamped-addressed envelope to 52 Chatsworth Drive, Mansfield, NG18 4QT.

The now famous prodigy pianist was first spotted by local couple Dr Celestine and Linda John when they were on holiday in India. They realised Julian needed to study in England to develop his talent.

When Julian, then 16, was offered a place at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester, he studied there for two years with the help of a trust fund set up in Mansfield. It was headed by the late Cantamus Girls’ Choir founder Pamela Cook, MBE, FRAM.

Julian, who later won a four-year scholarship at the Royal Northern College of Music, has played all over the world, from Buckingham Palace to Norway, Greece, Italy and Canada. Future engagements include in New York, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Germany, and with the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

Now a new appeal has been launched to help him study an Advanced Course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, as he continues to try to qualify for a permanent UK visa, through the 10-year residency rule, and be eligible to work a professional performer.

If you would like to become a friend of the Julian Clef Trust Fund to support the pianist and receive regular newsletter updates, contact the fund’s secretary, Sheila Haslam, on 01623 627764, e-mail [email protected]