A former teacher at Rydal Penrhos drew widespread plaudits for his efforts during a recent production.

Denis Lavin, who held the positions of Head of English and Director of Drama during his time at the school, played a significant role in Rhyl Music Club’s “The Exquisite Heart and Mind”, a musical dialogue on the life and works of Fryderyk Chopin.

Mr Lavin, who was a hugely influential figure in the Performing Arts at Rydal Penrhos during his tenor, spent three months putting together a script for the production, which was performed by pianist Alicja Fiederkiewicz.

The popular Mr Lavin narrated the production impeccably throughout, with ex-Geography teacher Steve Leader responsible for organising the event and all such showcases from the Rhyl Music Club.

Frédéric François was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era who wrote primarily for solo piano.

He has maintained worldwide renown as a leading musician of his era, one whose “poetic genius was based on a professional technique that was without equal in his generation”.

Senior School Head Sally-Ann Harding, who attended the performance, said: “It was an absolutely stunning portrayal of Chopin’s life work and was delivered expertly by a much-loved member of the school’s rich and proud history.

“Denis did so much incredible work to inspire and promote the Performing Arts at Rydal Penrhos, and he exceptional dedication to his craft came across once again during this particular production.”