Most musicians hope their performances will raise the roof, but Banbury-born pianist Valerie Tryon wants her forthcoming recital at Deddington Parish Church to have the opposite effect. She hopes to raise funds to secure a new metal roof for St Mary’s Church, at Warkworth, after thieves stole £100,000-worth of lead last year.

A former pupil of Banbury Grammar School, Valerie made her debut in Oxfordshire at the age of 14, and became one of the youngest students at the Royal Academy of Music. She is now based in Canada, and has become one of the world’s leading pianists.

Her Deddington recital will see her exploring her favourite repertoire, the Romantics, with works by Scarlatti, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and Liszt.

“I am excited to be playing at Deddington Church, close to where my sister was born,” she says. “I spent some of my happiest years in Oxfordshire — in my teens at Banbury Grammar School, where my father taught modern languages.

“While my concerts have taken me to many parts of the world, I have never forgotten my roots and the immense debt of gratitude that I owe to the people of this part of England who did so much to encourage me when I was first starting out.”

A total of £30,000 is needed for the new roof, and Valerie’s recital is part of a countywide effort to raise the necessary funds.

Valerie is giving her time free of charge for the event, which is being sponsored by CMS Financial Management Ltd of Bicester and Ellacotts LLP of Banbury.

Churchwarden Bob Langton said: “We are indebted to CMS and Ellacotts for their support, and hope that as many people as possible will attend what I’m sure will be a memorable recital.”

Valerie Tryon’s recital is on Saturday, April 28. Tickets from The Flower Shop, Deddington; One Man Band, Banbury; or from Derek Jones on 01295 710515.