Playing for Japan

This was a lunchtime concert given by violinist Toby Tramaseur with wife Midori Sugiyama to raise funds for the devastated nation they were touring when the disaster struck.

Toby and Midori, both with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, were travelling from city to city, and were in a coach on a high bridge over water when the earthquake shocks began to hit.

They were unharmed but anxious for Midori’s family members living across Japan.

Back home in Britain they want to show support by raising funds and so organised the event in St Barnabas church as well as playing in Herstmonceux on Saturday.

They were joined in Bexhill by local pianist Peter Lapham and talented youngster Oliver March who is 13.

Oliver is a pupil at St Richard’s school, as was Toby, and both must have been proud that principal Doreen Cronin attended the concert with students Elizabeth Terry, Matthew Greer and Tim Connley.

She presented Toby and Midori with a cheque for £900 from a St Richard’s mufti day to add to the collection.

Doreen said: “We remember Toby with affection and knew he would rise to dizzy heights. Now we can see Oliver following in his footsteps, and I am sure Toby will be an inspiration to him. It is lovely for Oliver to take part in something like this.”

The programme included various combinations of Toby, Midori and Oliver on violin accompanied by Peter, who also performed a medley of waltzes by himself half-way through.

The Bexhill musicians were then joined by a surprise guest for their final piece of the concert, Canon by Pachelbel, who was 84 year old Ted Lee.

Ted, from Marine Court, told the Observer he was a violinist with the Royal Marines and Welsh Guards who as an 18-year-old had been on HMS Duke Of York sailing near Nagasaki and Hiroshima when the atomic bombs were dropped.

Now 83, he said: “I just wanted to pay something back.”

The concert raised just over £2,500 with donations still coming in.

Donations can still be sent to: Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund, The Japan society, Swire House, 59 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ.

Alternatively donations may be made by debit/credit card by telephoning The Japan Society on 0207 828 6330.