Sarah Beth Briggs, the international concert pianist from York, is to perform a fundraising recital for a charity close to her heart.

Sarah will play in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, on March 3, at The Grammar School at Leeds, at Alwoodley Gates, Harrogate Road, Leeds, to show her appreciation for the work of the charity in supporting cancer sufferers.

“I think a great deal about Macmillan since they were so good when my Ma was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago,” says Sarah.

“They’re there for families at the moment of greatest need, and while we were one of the lucky ones, there is that moment of crisis where support is absolutely essential.”

Her 7.30pm programme will include Franz Joseph Haydn’s Variations on the German National Anthem (Gott erhalte Franz, den Kaiser), chosen by Sarah to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death.

Further pieces will be Beethoven’s dramatic Pathétique Sonata in C minor, Chopin’s virtuosic Ballade No 1 in G minor, Schumann’s Papillons and Debussy’s Reflets dans l’eau.

“There’ll be something to appeal to everyone in this recital, and I’ll offer my usual illuminating introductions to the music from the platform,” says Sarah, who will be available to sign CDs when refreshments are served at the end. Twenty per cent of all CD sales will go to Macmillan.

•Tickets, including wine/soft drink and nibbles, are available at £12.50 or £5 for students from Chris Woodhead on 0113 229 1552 ext 251 or via email to chris.woodhead@gsal.org.uk or phone Jamie Strachan at Macmillan on 01924 232442.