Outstanding violinist played to perfection

Performing with her composer father Jeremy as pianist, she gave a programme including works by Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Fritz Kreisler and John Williams’ theme for the 1993 Steven Spielberg film Schindler’s List.

Straight after the concert at Alnwick Playhouse, she hastened back to London to play in the Guildhall among distinguished guests, and perform for a programme recorded and shown by the BBC.

At the concert in Alnwick, a newly-composed work by Pike’s father to mark his 60th birthday was offered, hot off the composer’s pen, having first been performed in Lincoln only days earlier.

For many at the concert the highlight must have been the ever-popular The Lark Ascending, Williams’ 1920 piece, played to perfection by Pike.

In future, concerts will be held at the playhouse because Alnwick Castle’s guest hall is no longer available.

The next one will take place at the Bondaget Without venue on Wednesday, February 24. Sarah Beth Briggs and James Lisney will give a piano duet. Tickets cost £16.

Alexandra Dariescu’s planned performance has been rescheduled for August to start the next season.