The Birmingham International Piano Competition - now in its new home at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire - remains committed to the art of the piano recital and continues to provide young pianists aged 18-28 a chance to further their career.
In a first for the competition, competitors are offered almost complete free reign over their programming. Over the course of two preliminary rounds, three outstanding pianists are chosen for the Final, in which they each will perform a 40-minute recital in the impressive surroundings of the Conservatoire's flagship Bradshaw Hall.
Concert on 26 May (with Edward Leung, piano):
In a programme specially devised to celebrate the song programme which has been a highlight of the 2023/24 season at Conway Hall, Roger Vignoles and Artistic Director Simon Callaghan come together with a quartet of talented young singers led by Ferrier award-winning soprano Jessica Cale. Their programme showcases songs and piano duets by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Robert and Clara Schumann, and culminates in a performance of Brahms’s Liebeslieder-Walzer, a collection of love songs in Ländler style for four voices and piano duet, a work which may have been inspired by his love for Clara Schumann.
6.30pm: Pre-concert talk (free entry)
"All the Right Notes!" - Exploring Grieg's Piano Concerto
Join us for a special extra musical treat! International concert pianist Simon Callaghan explores the history and performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto. This iconic work, written when Grieg was just 25 years old, is full of soaring melodies and dazzling piano writing, and contains one of the most beautiful slow movements ever written.
Simon Callaghan will be joined by acclaimed conductor Simon Chalk to discuss and demonstrate this legendary concerto from a performer's and conductor's perspective – and to answer any questions you may have.
Howdenshire Music is delighted to present this special event in partnership with Hull Philharmonic Orchestra. Simon Callaghan will be the soloist in Grieg's Piano Concerto with Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Simon Chalk, at their 'Northern Lights' concert on Saturday 2 March at 7.30pm.
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This recital will be followed by a masterclass.
