AT the age of five most of us could probably manage a few notes on our toy keyboards, so it must have been clear there was something special about Marios Papadopoulos who began playing the piano at the tender age.

Tonight the 58-year-old classical pianist and conductor, who made his vision a reality in forming the Oxford Philomusica, is being recognised for his fantastic contribution to the city through musical performance and education.

After inspiring so many budding musicians it’s a well deserved reward.