Classical music fans were treated to works by Beethoven and Brahms, yesterday (15 March), during a special piano recital in Moot Hall dedicated to councillor and former Mayor Nick Cope, who sadly died last week.
Acclaimed international pianist Maria Kustas played Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 18 in E Flat Major Opus 31 No. 3 and Brahms’ Piano Sonata No. 2 in F Sharp Minor Opus 2, on the grand piano music lover Cllr Cope donated to the auditorium seven years ago.
The Moot Hall Boston grand piano was first played in concert, in situ, on 5 January 2015, in a piano interlude, during an organ recital by Honorary Borough Organist Ian Ray.
Yesterday’s lunchtime concert was in aid of Friends of the Moot Hall Organ and the mayor’s charities.
Speaking after the performance, the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson, said: “Nick was a man of culture, who loved music and playing the piano, so it was fitting the recital honoured his memory as well as benefitting some very worthwhile causes.”
Cllr Nigel Chapman added: “It was extremely moving to hear the wonderful piano that Nick so generously gifted to the Moot Hall played so beautifully by Maria Kustas. Nick’s frequent private moments playing the piano were often a joy in a busy day, if you were lucky enough to be passing the Moot Hall at the right time!”
Pictured above, left to right: Liz Cope, Maria Kustas, Mayor Robert Davidson, Mayoress Liz Davidson
Page last reviewed: 16 March 2022