A JAPANESE classical pianist will bring a lifetime's worth of skill to St Asaph Cathedral.

Recognised as one of the world’s most acclaimed pianists of her generation Yu Kosuge will take to the stage for the North Wales International Music Festival on Thursday, September 19.

Kosuge, 35, who played her first piano concert aged just four, was born in Tokyo and grew up in Germany after crossing the world to study piano in Munich with Professor Karl-Heinz Kammerling at the tender age of 10.

But the sacrifice paid off and Kosuge is now in huge demand as a concert pianist who has worked with leading orchestras around the globe in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall.

Her concert will reflect the festival’s Mother Earth theme and concentrate on pieces describing water and wind from her four elements cycle.

Kosuge said: “I’ve chosen music that will reflect the festival’s theme including the Venetian Gondola Songs from Mendelssohn’s Songs without Words as well as Janáček’s In the Mists, Beethoven’s Piano Sonata as well as pieces by Debussy, Ravel, Liszt and Wagner.

“It’s a concert performance I’m very much looking forward to. And as it will be my first time in Wales it will be a little bit special for me. I know how much music means to the people of Wales.”

The festival will be staged at St Asaph Cathedral from Saturday, September 14, to Saturday, September 28, thanks to support from the Arts Council of Wales, Tŷ Cerdd and Colwinston Charitable Trust.

Tickets are £10, available from Cathedral Frames in St Asaph and by calling 01745 582929.

For more information visit nwimf.com