PIANIST Paul Turner will play the complete Chopin Nocturnes in the first of the Swindon Recital Series at the Swindon Arts Centre on Sunday.

Paul will be performing all 21 pieces back to back. He said: “Each one has a different character I need to bring out. Chopin wrote in a style that was specific to piano and he was a virtuoso pianist himself bringing out that singing quality that had not been done before.”

Born in 1810, all of Chopin’s compositions include a piano and most are for solo piano. The Nocturnes are generally considered among the finest short solo works for this instrument and represent chamber music in its truest sense – Chopin, himself a noted pianist, preferred to perform in the intimate atmosphere of the salon rather than at larger public venues.

Chopin was well-known for his relationship with the French woman writer George Sand. He suffered from poor health and died in Paris aged only 39, probably of tuberculosis.

Julia Singleton, secretary of the Swindon Recital Series, said: "The recital series is committed to providing world-class chamber music in the Swindon area by presenting regular concerts of chamber music given by professional musicians. The series takes place between September and April each year at various venues in and around Swindon, including the Wyvern Theatre and the Arts Centre.''

Mr Turner is the founder and artistic director of the recital series and his programme will give music fans a rare opportunity to hear all the Nocturnes in one concert, starting at 7pm. Tickets are £16 from 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk. - Sarah Singleton