ONE of the most influential figures in British music will be sharing her experiences with an audience at Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal.

Dame Fanny Waterman, 95, will be in conversation with renowned composer and choral musician Dr Richard Shepherd on Friday, March 11 at 7.30pm.

Dame Waterman is revered throughout the world of classical music as an inspirational teacher and founder and chair of the Leeds International Piano Competition, widely regarded as the most coveted prize in the piano world.

From humble beginnings in Leeds as the daughter of a Russian émigré jeweller, Dame Waterman’s prodigious musical talent and sheer determination was a passport out of hardship.

She excelled as a concert pianist – highlights included a Proms performance during the Second World War with Sir Henry Wood at the Royal Albert Hall – before returning to Leeds with husband Geoffrey de Kaiser to take up piano teaching.

Her work as a teacher led to the first Leeds International Piano Competition in 1963.

Tickets for the event are priced from £10 to £20 and are available from the box office on 01748-825252 or www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk