A RUSSIAN pianist has hit just the right note with Great Harwood Male Voice Choir.
Svetlana Westall, 56, is originally from St Petersburg but moved to Lancashire in August after marrying her English husband Kevin.
The couple, who met when Kevin, a relief manager for residential homes, was on holiday in Russia in 2001, and now live in Knuzden.
She took up the position of accompanist with the choir in November, with the encouragement of her brother-in-law George who is a member.
Svetlana said: "I like it very much. I enjoy living in England. Everything is so different between the lifestyles in England and Russia. But I miss my son and my sister. I keep in touch by phone and will be going to Russia in the summer to see my relatives."
Svetlana has always loved music and taught the subject at the Gymnasia of Art in Russia. She is pleased to be able to carry on teaching in England and has recently started work on Blackburn's Music for Families project.
She said: "I am very pleased that I have been able to find a job as a music teacher here. I am enjoying it. I enjoy it very much. Their music was very strange for me at first. I did not know it. But I enjoy the beautiful songs and classical music from operas.
"It's very interesting for me. The people in the choir have been very friendly and it has been very interesting talking to each other.''
Great Harwood Male Voice choir meets at Antley Methodist Church, Blackburn Road, Accrington at 7.30pm each Tuesday .
