RUSSIAN-born pianist Yulia Vershinina is to play at Redcar's Tuned In performing arts centre this Wednesday (Nov 11).

The award-winning musician has been studying the piano since she was eight years old.

After studying in Belgium she won an array of top prizes at international music festivals, including an opportunity to top the bill at New York's famous Carnegie Hall.

Fran Golightly, manager of the Tuned In centre, said: "It's quite a scoop to be able to bring a young musician of her international standing to Redcar."

Miss Vershinina is now in her final year of studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Her programme features two major piano works, Schubert's Piano Sonata in A-minor' and Miroires (correct), a piece full of brilliant images by Ravel.

The concert takes place at Tuned In, next Wednesday at 1.30 p.m. Tickets cost £6 from Tuned In reception or pay at the door.