Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata takes centre stage in this one-hour candlelit programme, alongside festive favourites by Tchaikovsky and music by Chopin and Debussy.

Arguably Beethoven’s best-known sonata, its instantly recognisable opening inspired a comparison with moonlight on Lake Lucerne — although the nickname only arose after Beethoven’s death. From its hushed, contemplative beginning, the music moves through a graceful middle movement to a fiercely dramatic finale, demanding extraordinary virtuosity from the pianist.

Tchaikovsky brings a seasonal flavour with Yuletide and a solo piano arrangement of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Yuletide is the December piece from The Seasons, his collection of twelve piano miniatures representing the months of the year. The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, from his much-loved ballet The Nutcracker, adds a touch of festive magic, reimagining its distinctive orchestral colours for the piano.

Completing the programme are works by Chopin and Debussy.