A TALENTED teenager is to perform his first professional solo recital in Grange this month.

Glen Giffney, 18, a former pupil of Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, will present a selection of classical pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin and Rachmaninoff.

Also performing at the concert at the Victoria Hall will be special guest Grace Heap, also of Grange, who is a singer with the National Training Choir.

Both have been winning competitions from an early age.

Glen started playing the piano aged two when he was given an electric keyboard. When his parents realised his talent, Glen started lessons and by the time he was five he had already won his first competition at the South Cumbria Music festival. Over the next few years he went on to win trophy after trophy at events up and down the country.

At the age of 10 he was accepted as a full-time boarder at Chetham’s, winning a seven-year scholarship. This month he starts a four year programme at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Glen said he is looking forward to the recital and has been practising daily to give a polished performance.

Tickets for the concert on Friday, September 14, are £6 for adults and £1.50 for students and children. They are available on the door and the event will start at 8pm.