Japan earthquake couple organise relief concert

Violinist Toby Tramaseur will perform at St Barnabas Church at lunchtime on Thursday with wife Midori Sugiyama, who also plays with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, to raise funds for Japan.

The couple were on tour when the devastation happened.

Now back in the UK for a charity concert in Herstmonceux, they decided to add Bexhill to the list of towns hosting concerts for Play For Japan.

This is an initiative to help promote and co-ordinate the contributions made by artists, performers and sports people in response to the earthquake disaster. For more information see: www.playforjapan.com

As Toby, whose parents live in Brassey Road, is a former St Richard’s student, he has asked present pupil Oliver March to perform too.

Oliver, aged 13, is already well-known in town for his charity busking outside Sainsbury’s and his Hastings Musical Festival successes.

He will play pieces by Telemann, Donizetti and the old favourite Tico Tico Bird in the Corn Meal by Abreu.

The three will be accompanied by local pianist Peter Lapham.

Toby and Midori, who is co-leader of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, will be playing a varied selection of violin pieces, including Sarasate’s Navara and the duo Caprice Opus 18 by Wieniawski.

The informal lunchtime concert will start at 1pm at St Barnabas Church in Sea Road with tea and coffee available from noon.

Entrance to the concert is free.

There will be a retiring collection in aid of The Japan Society: Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund (Charity no. 1063952) for the ongoing work of voluntary and community organisations working in the areas most affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami.