FOUR musicians with international reputations will perform in Beaconsfield this month as part of a fundraiser for an African school.

The evening at St Mary’s Church will kick off with a performance by Suzanne Willison-Kawalec, principal harp of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Katherine Baker, principal flautist of the BBC National Orchestra.

Caroline Dale, who has been described as 'one of the finest cello players in the world', and 'extraordinary' violinist Thomas Bowes will round off the event.

The musicians will be brought to the town by the Chengelo Educational Trust, which supports a school in a remote region of Zambia.

Trustee Flora Pedler, of Grove Road, is also a member of the congregation at St Mary’s, and has been a key player in making the concert happen.

Chengelo School was built on her family’s farm in Mkushi in 1988, after her brother donated the land. She moved to Britain 24 years ago, but has continued to support the school.

She knows Suzanne Willison-Kawalec, whose parents live locally, and has helped organise a fundraising concert in Beaconsfield every few years.

Flora said: “It’s amazing that they are all prepared to give their time as they are all internationally recognised musicians.”

She said the funds raised through ticket sales would be vital to the work of the school, adding: “It has absolutely excellent results and very good tuition.

“A lot of the students go on to university either in Zambia or elsewhere, then come back to the country and be a very important part of society.”

The musicians will play pieces by Bach, Jongen, Grieg, Alwyn and Kodály.

The event is on Saturday, February 11, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25, £15 for senior citizens or £10 for students.

The price includes interval wine/soft drink and canapés. Call Flora on 01494 674146, or drop into the Beacon Bookshop. Tickets will also be available on the door.