THE fact that Toby Kearney won the percussion section of the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition in 2006 speaks volumes for the calibre of this young percussionist who, together with renowned pianist Harvey Davies, will be performing a thrilling concert at Ilminster Arts Centre later this year.

The talented duo of Toby and Harvey will be at the arts centre in East Street on Friday, March 8, as part of the Concerts in the West 2013 series.

Catherine Hodgson, of Concerts in the West, said: “Toby Kearney is a must for audiences of all ages.

“As a percussionist his technique is first class and the energy he puts into his performances makes for compelling and exciting entertainment. I particularly hope that lots of young people will come and see him, as I think they will find his style of music fascinating."

A graduate of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, Toby already has a number of noteworthy performances behind him including the world premier of a percussion concerto by Matt Sergeant with conductor Clark Rundell and the RNCM Chamber Orchestra in 2007.

Harvey Davies is well known as a chamber musician and accompanist, having worked with many eminent musicians including Atar Arad, Alison Balsom, Rebecca Evans, Janet Hilton, Guy Johnston and Jennifer Pike.

He studied the piano with Helen Davies, David Parkhouse and Ryszard Bakst and is the founder and director of the Pleyel Ensemble, the pianist in Ensemble Cymru and staff pianist at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Catherine Hodgson said: "Toby's return to the West Country with Harvey Davies to form an exciting and dynamic percussion duo is not to be missed."

Toby will be playing the following pieces - Reich, Clapping Music; Saint-Saens, Selections from Carnival of the Animals; Rihards, Zalupe Dance; Ney Rosauro, Marimba Concerto; JS Bach, Violin Concerto in E Major; Scott Joplin, Maple Leaf Rag; and Dave Maric, Predicaments.

The concert on March 8 will start at 8pm. Tickets are priced £14 and for further information please contact the box office on 01460-54973.