NOT only is Bernard Roberts president of Basingstoke Concert Club, he is also a brilliant pianist and a charming gentleman.

And if you need proof of this, he will be performing at Trinity Church, in Sarum Hill, Basingstoke, this Saturday, at 7.30pm.

I recently caught up with him on what has been happening in the last year since he was in town, with his two sons playing for the concert club. At the time, he was looking forward to a trip to Oman to play with the Oman Symphony Orchestra, which was very enjoyable but also rather scary as the concert was three days before the outbreak of the Gulf war!

There was a concert in Harlech - particularly special as it is so close to his much-loved home in Snowdonia - and a concert at the Wigmore Hall in London.

And he is still teaching young pianists at Chethams School of Music in Manchester.

When asked if he had any plans to retire, he replied: "No, I just love playing."

I enquired about his forthcoming recital in Basingstoke, when he will be playing a new piece commissioned by Basingstoke Concert Club to celebrate their 50th season - The Loddon Sonata, written by Stephen Dodgson.

Stephen has been composing for many years and his works include many pieces for guitar, a bassoon concerto, a wonderful Te Deum and a number of works for piano . In fact, Bernard is one of his greatest fans and has recorded both the first six of his piano sonatas.

When I phoned Bernard, he was busy practising the new piece, which, he told me, is in three movements and is "tender and subdued". But he is keeping everything else under raps until the premier of the work in Basingstoke.

I can't wait to hear it - and to hear Bernard Roberts playing it.

Tickets for the concert are available from the Haymarket box office on 0870 770 1088 or on the door.