Sherri Lun

The Brighton Festival is returning this spring, and as part of the Lunchtime Concerts series, the Studio Theatre at the Brighton Dome is hosting a solo recital by Sherri Lun. If you haven't come across her name yet, she is a pianist originally from Hong Kong who has been making waves in the classical circuit, particularly after winning the Birmingham International Piano Competition in 2024. This performance on Thursday, 14 May, is organised in association with Kirckman Concerts, continuing the tradition of bringing high-calibre musicians to the city for these mid-day sessions. It’s a straightforward way to catch a professional set without the formality or the late finish of a traditional evening concert.

The repertoire for the afternoon is quite varied, touching on different eras and styles. Sherri Lun will be opening with Bach/Busoni, specifically the chorale prelude Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ and the formidable Chaconne in D minor. From there, the mood shifts towards Ravel and his Valses Nobles et Sentimentales. These pieces were originally composed as a tribute to Schubert and have a very specific, sophisticated character. To round off the hour, she’ll be performing Brahms’ Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel. It’s a programme that requires a lot of technical skill, but the setting in the Studio Theatre usually keeps things feeling close and personal rather than distant.

Logistically, everything is set for a 13:00 start, which fits neatly into a long lunch break or a day out in central Brighton. When it comes to the cost, there are a couple of different figures floating around depending on where you look. Some sources list a flat rate of £10.00, while the main festival programme suggests a general admission of £15.00, with a reduced price of £10.00 available for those under 30. The event is open to anyone over the age of five, making it a flexible option for different age groups. Since it’s a solo piano performance in a dedicated theatre space, the focus is entirely on the music, providing a quiet hour of culture right in the middle of the working week.