Musical treat for Taihape

Oleg Marshev

Italy-based concert pianist Oleg Marshev will play in Taihape next week as he stops off in the Rangitikei as part of a New Zealand.

Taihape Music Group is hosting the internationally acclaimed musician, and treasurer Lis Riley said it was a great opportunity for a small town.

"He's an international concert pianist doing several towns throughout New Zealand," she said.

Marshev was born in Azerbaijan and has picked up several music gongs in a three decade career.

Mrs Riley said the club put on three or four concerts a year but Marshev's concert would be special.

Donations from members and fundraising events were subsidising the ticket price.

"We're actually offering the cheapest price in New Zealand to see him."

The concert will be held at the Taihape Women's Club which provided a unique intimate setting.

"It's almost like a small drawing room," she said. "We have a meal afterwards and he talks to everybody. It's just so special.

"We have a concert grand. Everybody that plays it thinks it's a wonderful piece."

''The music groups works really hard to fund raise so that we can people like Oleg to Taihape.

"Otherwise it's really difficult. You have to go out of town and it's sort of bringing musicianship to smaller communities so it's available to everybody. It's not elitist. It's just a joy to bring."

Oleg Marshev play the Taihape Women's Club from 7.30pm on Tuesday, July 26. Tickets are $30 for the public and $25 for members. Entry is free for children and students.