WHEN Philip Dyson is not pounding the streets jogging he is tinkling the ivories as one of the nation's most talented pianists.

The innovative Lancashire-born musician has won over audiences for his abilities to perform both classical and light music styles and had already given a performance in London's Royal Albert Hall by the age of 12.

It was a quick sprint around the block about 12 years ago, though, which also instilled in him a love of running and he now takes his jogging shoes wherever he goes, having run the London Marathon this year. He said: "It's a real lively counterbalance to sitting down at the piano. A few years ago I thought I wasn't getting enough fresh air and went out running and have done it ever since.

"It's great because I get to see more of the places I go to."

Mr Dyson studied at London's Royal College of Music with distinguished pianists Colin Horsley and John Lill, and also with Dr William Lloyd Webber and was appointed professor of piano by the age of 27.

Over the years, the 48-year-old has appeared alongside some of the nation's finest symphony orchestras including the Royal Philhar-monic.

He has also performed on many television and radio shows including the BBC and Classic FM, helping cement his reputation throughout Europe and America as a talented performer. Due to his work with music students through his masterclasses, he was appointed patron of the Segovia Music Academy. It all began for him though aged eight after his parents asked if he wanted to take up the piano and he jumped at the chance.

He said: "I think they realised I had a little bit of something because I kept on hitting various biscuit tins with a spoon and they thought they may as well utilise that!"

A seasoned traveller, his concerts have taken him around the world to various countries and he is a regular sight in Spain where he has played at many of its major cities. Closer to home, he has also previously appeared at Hunting-don on two separate occasions - once on the bill for the Three Choirs Festival about 12 years ago.

After years of playing light music, Mr Dyson's latest CD, By Special Request, is a return to his classical roots, featuring pieces by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin and Debussy.

For his Worcester appearance at 8pm on Friday, he will be playing some of the most popular songs from his repertoire including The Entertainer, Honeysuckle Rose and Alligator Crawl.