Piano is twin Canns’ forte

DUO in tune . . . identical twins Claire and Antionette

A CLASSICAL performance at a Chadderton church will be twice as nice when talented twins Claire and Antoinette Cann take to the stage.

The pair — whose identical looks confuse their friends — are international duo-pianists who perform regularly for the BBC and Classic FM.

They will play favourites such as Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite”, Strauss’s “Blue Danube” waltz and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumble Bee” during the concert at Christ Church next Friday.

Claire, who lives near Cambridge, decided to stage the show as a favour to the Rev John Simmons, vicar at Christ Church, who used to be the rector in Claire’s parish before he moved to Oldham three years ago.

Mr Simmons said: “Their performance is quite special. They are the only pianists ever to have graduated with first-class honours in both solo and duo-piano performances from London’s Royal College of Music.

“We are very excited to be hosting them at Christ Church, and we are hiring two grand pianos, including a Steinway, for the occasion.”

The Cann twins’ career has taken them to Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates and Japan.

They have performed with many orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic, the London Philharmonic, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Philomusica of London, the Wren Orchestra and The London Mozart Players, and they have played in the International Series at the Royal Festival Hall.

After their degree success, the twins were awarded the Royal College of Music President’s Rosebowl and played at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, for the Queen and her guests.

Mr Simmons is no stranger to the arts, being the chaplain at Oldham Coliseum, and has seen theatrical as well as musical performances in his church before.

He added: “We are delighted to be promoting a rare professional performance of classical music in Chadderton.”

John, a keen pianist himself, is hoping to keep the Steinway for a few days and give parishioners a treat during the Sunday service on October 19.

Tickets are £8.50 (or £5.50 for concessions) and are available from the parish office at Christ Church, Block Lane, or by calling 0161-624 2326.

The show starts at 7.30pm. Visit www.canntwins.com for more information.