A classical music concert was held in the north of the island to honour two stalwart members of the Ramsey Music Society.

The night featured music performed by leading Polish concert pianist Alicja Fiderkiewicz.

The concert was held in memory of Joan Murray and Sydney Armstrong, two dedicated music society members.

Ms Fiderkiewicz entertained the gathered audience, showcasing her musical virtuosity.

Originally hailing from Warsaw, at just seven Ms Fiderkiewicz entered Karol Szymanowski’s School of Music in Warsaw and began studying the piano in the class of Prof. Krystyna Bocianowska.

By nine, she was accepted into the Central School of Music attached to Moscow’s Conservatoire.

She is a renowned pianist, winning the Polish National Bach and Beethoven Competitions and Chopin’s Scholarship for four years in succession.

She has performed with internationally-renowed orchestras such as The Halle, Da Camera, Manchester Camerata, La Scala in Milan and Warsaw National Philharmonic, and has appeared on stages all over the world.

Anne Davis, who attended the concert at the Ramsey Grammar School West Building, said: ’In the early 60s we would have been sitting crossed legged for our half hour daily assembly, but on this occasion the seats were somewhat more comfortable and I was here to attend a piano recital in memory of a family friend.

’Before their deaths both Joan Murray and former local pharmacist Sydney Armstrong had been stalwart members of the Ramsey Music Society for many years.

’The organisation, along with their respective families had arranged a special concert to celebrate their lives and their contribution to what was originally named the Ramsey Grammar School music club.

’The guest pianist for the evening was Alicja Fiderkiewicz, who not only is a world-famous musician, but a relative through marriage, to the Murray family.’

The evening was introduced by chairman Leonard Singer, and Mrs Murray’s daughter Christine Longworth was in attendance with her husband Duncan and their son Peter.

Mr Armstrong’s daughter Gill was unable to attend the evening due to ill health.

Mrs Davis said: ’Leonard also spoke on behalf of Gill Armstrong. He extended her good wishes, saying how delighted her father would have been with the concert, and how much he and his late wife Beryl loved the times they had spent with Alicia during her many visits to the island.

’Before members and guests enjoyed her amazing performance, Alicja, a former student at the Royal Northern College of Music, spoke of her introduction to the Isle of Man and the close bond that was formed with both families.

’She had become firm friends with Joan and her late husband Bill, spending wonderful times at their home at Ballure, Ramsey.

’On one occasion she even brought her cat to stay with her for Christmas. She recalled shared holidays and musical evenings with both the Murrays and the Armstrongs.

’Her choice of music for the concert she said reflected some of the pieces that were particular favourites of Joan and Sydney.’