Southbank Centre Piano Events

Neil Cowley Trio

peter.mallon

Featuring The Mount Molehill Strings with support from Sam Sallon

Renowned pianist Neil Cowley presents the world premiere of the forthcoming album, The Face of Mount Molehill. Cementing his position as a composer of extraordinary talent, Cowley and his trio scale the summit of the gargantuan Mount Molehill, where they explore the heights of everyday trivia, and score it to a soaring overture of epic proportions.

Neil Cowley Trio has a reputation as one of the UK's most exhilarating live bands. Their dynamic sets of propulsive rhythms and aching melancholy, peppered with Cowley's playful onstage banter, have won the trio a loyal following of fans.

Performing with Cowley are Evan Jenkins (drums), Rex Horan (bass), Leo Abrahams (guitar) and The Mount Molehill Strings, headed by lead violinist Julian Ferraretto.

Start Date:

Thursday 15 March 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Thursday 15 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

£20 £15

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Facility Description:

Queen Elizabeth Hall

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The Royal College of Music Presents...

Some of the College's finest young musicians perform a contrasting programme of Viennese and Russian string music.

Featuring Aiko Kojima (violin), Emma Fetherston (viola), Anne Chauveau (cello), Margarida Castro (double bass), Pedro Gomes (piano), and Joo Yeon Sir (solo violin) accompanied by Irina Andrievsky (piano).

Start Date:

Friday 30 March 2012 - 13:00

End Date:

Friday 30 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

Free

Repertoire:

Franz Schubert: Piano Quintet in A, D.667 (Trout)
Alfred Schnittke: Sonata No.1 for violin & piano

DuoDorT: Quantulum

Formed in 2003 by pianists Kate Halsall and Semra Kurutaç, duoDorT specialise in contemporary music combining the piano duo, keyboard and electronics.

They have performed and commissioned music from a wide range of leading composers of today.

Their intriguing new project, Quantulum, features commissions from six young female composers - Kerry Andrew, Christine Abdelnour, Ailís Ní Ríain, Helena Gough, Yuko Ohara and Elo Masing. It is supported by Arts Council England and PRS for Music Foundation.

The name duoDorT is a fusion of the pair's combined British and Turkish roots. Duo, meaning a partnership of two players and dort (or dört in Turkish) translating as the number four - two pianists, four hands.

Their first EP 'Triple Point' has just been released on the Squeaky Kate label.

Start Date:

Friday 9 March 2012 - 13:00

End Date:

Friday 9 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

Free

London Sinfonietta

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Perfect Constructions: the music of Conlon Nancarrow

The London Sinfonietta celebrates the works of 20th-century musical maverick Conlon Nancarrow. A former soldier in the Spanish Civil War, Nancarrow spent most of his life in Mexico exploring intricate rhythmic designs only playable by mechanical instruments. This event highlights existing and new arrangements of his jazzy and hyperkinetically energetic music, plus György Ligeti's Pieces for Wind Quintet.

Start Date:

Saturday 21 April 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Saturday 21 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

£22 £15 £9

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

London Sinfonietta
Baldur Brönnimann conductor
Rex Lawson pianola

Repertoire:

Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.21 (Canon X) arr. Murcott
Conlon Nancarrow: Piece No.1 for small orchestra
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.6 arr. Mikhashoff
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.15 transc. Mikhashoff for 4 hands
Frank Zappa: G Spot Tornado
Gyorgy Ligeti: 10 Pieces for wind quintet
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.26 arr. Matt Rogers
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.3c arr. Mikhashoff
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.12
Gérard Grisey: Tempus ex machina for 22 percussionists
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.26
Conlon Nancarrow: Toccata for violin & player piano
Paul Usher: Nancarrow Concerto for pianola & chamber orchestra

Facility Description:

Queen Elizabeth Hall

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Movements and Expressions

p.goudal

1910-1947

This concert explores some of the most important works written for the violin at the beginning of the 20th century.

Music reflected the changing world and the historical background in which artistic movements such as Impressionism in France and Expressionism in Germany were born. In music, these movements were illustrated in musical languages in the works of Debussy, Schoenberg, Ravel and Webern.

After her acclaimed debut at the Wigmore Hall and the Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Alda Dizdari alongside Tom Blach brings an equally concentrated and passionate performance of some of the last century's most interesting pieces for the violin and piano.

'One to watch' Gramophone

'A remarkable talent' Gramophone

Start Date:

Tuesday 3 April 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Tuesday 3 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

£18 £14

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Alda Dizdari violin
Tom Blach piano

Repertoire:

Claude Debussy: Sonata in G minor for violin & piano
Arnold Schoenberg: Phantasy for violin & piano, Op.47
Jean Sibelius: Ballade for violin & piano, Op.115 No.2
Jean Sibelius: Berceuse for violin & piano, Op.79 No.6
Jean Sibelius: The Bells for violin & piano, Op.115 No.4
Interval
Béla Bartók: Violin Sonata No.2
Anton Webern: 4 Pieces for violin & piano, Op.7
Maurice Ravel: Violin Sonata in G

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

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Conlon Nancarrow: Virtuoso of the Player Piano

Perfect Constructions: the music of Conlon Nancarrow

A biographical overview of composer Conlon Nancarrow's life and times, from his beginnings in Texarkana, his years in Boston and fighting in the Spanish Civil War, to his emigration to Mexico.

The film features interviews with his family members and those who were closest to Nancarrow during his amazing career, Yoko Nancarrow, Charles Amirkhanian, Kyle Gann and Trimpin among others.

It also presents a performance of his first published piano pieces, as well as a newly discovered set of two-part inventions he composed in his first years in Mexico performed at the Sacher Archive by pianist Helena Bugallo.

Other highlights including 'live' performances of his powerful player-piano studies, Nos.25, 3a, 37 and 21, his famous Canon X.

Please note - this free event requires a ticket. You can reserve your ticket online (£1.75 transaction fee) or by phone 0844 847 9910 (£2.75 transaction fee). Transaction fees apply per transaction, not per ticket. You can also reserve your seat without a transaction fee by visiting one of our Southbank Centre Ticket Offices in person.

Start Date:

Saturday 21 April 2012 - 12:00

End Date:

Saturday 21 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

Free

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

Nancarrow in the 21 Century

International study days exploring the continuing influence of Conlon Nancarrow

This conference brings together some of the most important Nancarrow scholars and commentators from around the world to explore the composer's continuing and developing influence on contemporary musical thinking.

Featuring key-note presentations from Charles Amirkhanian, Artistic Director of Other Minds, and Kyle Gann, author of The Music Of Conlon Nancarrow, plus presentations from Felix Meyer of the Paul Sacher Foundation and sound sculptor Trimpin, the conference is aimed at both academics and enthusiasts alike.

Of particular note is a short presentation by Yoko Sugiura-Nancarrow, the widow of Conlon.

The conference sessions are timed so delegates can also attend the majority of the Perfect constructions - The Music of Conlon Nancarrow festival events as well.

Start Date:

Saturday 21 April 2012 - 10:00

End Date:

Sunday 22 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

£15

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Best Available

Facility Description:

Level 5 Function Room

Freddy Morgan Piano Recitals

The Purcell School of Music

The Purcell School is Britain's oldest specialist school for talented young musicians. In 2003 the School was awarded the UNESCO Mozart Gold Medal in recognition of its unique contribution to music, education and international culture. Selected senior pianists from the School perform short recitals at Southbank Centre's most intimate concert hall venue.

This concert has been generously sponsored by David Morgan in memory of his brother Freddy who was a keen amateur pianist.

Start Date:

Monday 27 February 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Monday 27 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

£10 £8

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Senior pupils from The Purcell School Piano Department

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

Images

Lawson Trio

This dynamic and award-winning British piano trio frames three premieres by leading UK composers with two staples of the trio repertoire - Haydn's exuberant, enduringly popular Gypsy trio and the virtuosic masterwork by Ravel. The Lawson Trio is delighted to premiere works written for them by Anthony Powers and Camden Reeves, following their Southbank Centre debut in 2010, and are joined by students from the Junior Royal Academy of Music for the London premiere of Cheryl Frances Hoad's Olympic-inspired work for double piano trio.

Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall at 6.45pm - Chamber Music 2000 Student Concert, given by students from various institutions. Including works by Hoad and Powers. Admission free.

Start Date:

Tuesday 10 April 2012 - 20:00

End Date:

Tuesday 10 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

£14 £10

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Lawson Trio

Repertoire:

Joseph Haydn: Piano Trio in G, Hob.XV/25 (Gypsy Rondo)
Camden Reeves: The dead broke blues break for piano trio (World premiere)
Cheryl Frances-Hoad: Five rackets for trio relay (London premiere)
Interval
Anthony Powers: Piano Trio (World premiere)
Maurice Ravel: Piano Trio in A minor

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

Images

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

m.critcher

Look! No conductor!

Celebrated cellist Steven Isserlis, pianist Robert Levin and violinist Isabelle Faust perform and lead the OAE at this concert looking at what happens when the conductor disappears.

We're joined by this concert by three exceptional soloists who each direct a piece from their instrument.

The evening starts with Haydn's London Symphony - his musical response to the bustling 18th century city.

Isabelle Faust then directs and is soloist for Mozart's Violin Concerto, by turns bright, dance-like, tragic and playful.

The concert culminates with all three soloists combining for Beethoven's Triple concerto for violin, cello and keyboard.

Queen Elizabeth Hall at 5.45pm - OAE Extras. Robert Philip looks at the evolution of concertos and virtuoso performers. Admission free

Start Date:

Thursday 3 May 2012 - 19:00

End Date:

Thursday 3 May 2012

Ticket Prices:

£38 £28 £20 £12 £6, Premium £50

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Robert Levin piano, director
Isabelle Faust violin, director
Steven Isserlis cello, director

Repertoire:

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No.104 (London)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Violin Concerto No.3 in G, K.216
Interval
Ludwig Van Beethoven: Triple Concerto

Facility Description:

Queen Elizabeth Hall

Images

Ivo Neame & Guests

m.critcher

The brilliant young British pianist with an outstanding cast of jazz players

Ivo Neame is fast establishing himself as one of the leading pianists and composers on the British scene.

Combining melodic drive with his own elegant compositional style Ivo Neame has developed a formidable, expansive piano sound and compositional voice.

A busy sideman as well as solo artist, his album Caught in the Light of Day, released in 2009, received rave reviews.

This concert sees Neame expand his writing to a larger ensemble in a set of edgy and characterful themes, matched by resourceful, conversational improvising.

Start Date:

Friday 10 February 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Friday 10 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

£12.50

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Ivo Neame piano
Jon Shenoy clarinet
Shabaka Hutchings bass clarinet
Tori Freestone saxophone, flute
Jason Yarde alto sax
Jim Hart vibraphone
Dave Hamblett drums
Jasper Høiby bass

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

Images

Leif Ove Andsnes

peter.mallon

Praised for possessing 'affecting directness, impressive clarity and vivid imagination' (The New York Times), the popular Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes presents a selection of audience favourites.

'Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes is a force to be reckoned with, as he turns even the best-known classical warhorses into pure poetry... The technical demands are huge... but Andsnes takes the high road, laying out the emotional journey with absolute clarity and little fuss.' (Toronto Star)

Start Date:

Thursday 29 March 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Thursday 29 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

£28 £21 £15 £10 Premium £35

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Leif Ove Andsnes piano

Repertoire:

Joseph Haydn: Piano Sonata in C minor, Hob.XVI/20
Béla Bartók: Suite for piano, Op.14
Claude Debussy: Images, Set 1
Interval
Fryderyk Chopin: Waltz in F minor, Op.70 No.2
Fryderyk Chopin: Waltz in G flat, Op.70 No.1
Fryderyk Chopin: Waltz in D flat, Op.70 No.3
Fryderyk Chopin: Waltz in A flat, Op.42
Fryderyk Chopin: Ballade No.3 in A flat, Op.47
Fryderyk Chopin: Nocturne in B, Op.62 No.1
Fryderyk Chopin: Ballade No.1 in G minor, Op.23

Facility Description:

Queen Elizabeth Hall

Images

Piano Takeover

p.mcguinness

A group of young curators lead us through a set of unique journeys undertaken by outstanding young pianists, through talk, film, projection and music.

This event follows the May 2011 performance by 100 young pianists alongside Lang Lang at Royal Festival Hall in Lang Lang Inspires.

Please note that this concert cannot be included in the series discount for International Piano Series.

Start Date:

Saturday 25 February 2012 - 16:00

End Date:

Saturday 25 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

£5

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (unlimitied availability)

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

Images

The Bach Choir and Chetham's Symphony Orchestra

p.mcguinness

Well known for his piano music, Rachmaninov also composed some wonderful choral music including his secular choral symphony, The Bells, and the Spring Cantata, written just after the second piano concerto.

The Bach Choir is delighted to be promoting a second major concert in its partnership with the outstandingly talented young musicians that make up Chetham's Symphony Orchestra.

Watch a trailer for Rachmaninov - The Bach Choir in concert at the Royal Festival Hall 2012

Start Date:

Wednesday 29 February 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Wednesday 29 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

£38 £29 £21 £16 £12 £9 Premium seats £45

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Chetham's Symphony Orchestra
David Hill conductor
Stephen Threlfall conductor
Leon McCawley piano
Janice Watson soprano
Peter Auty tenor
William Dazeley baritone
The Bach Choir
Chetham's Chamber Choir

Repertoire:

Sergey Rachmaninov: Spring Cantata, Op.20
Sergey Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.3*
Interval
Sergey Rachmaninov: The Bells

Facility Description:

Royal Festival Hall

Images

Yuja Wang

m.critcher

In her early 20s, Yuja Wang is internationally admired for 'a practically superhuman keyboard technique with an artistic eloquence that is second to none' (San Francisco Chronicle) and 'playing that possesses urgency, personality, imagination and colour' (International Piano).

The young Chinese musician gained international recognition while still in her teens, with a debut concert in Canada conducted by Pinchas Zukerman in 2005. Named 2009's Young Artist of the Year at the Classic FM Gramophone Awards, she has signed an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon and her second CD, entitled Transformation, was Gramophone's Record of the Month on its release in 2010.

'Simply the most important pianist to appear in recent years, period' (The Detroit News).

Start Date:

Tuesday 1 May 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Ticket Prices:

£28 £21 £15 £10 Premium £35

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Yuja Wang piano

Repertoire:

Sergey Rachmaninov: Etude-tableau in A minor, Op.39 No.6
Sergey Rachmaninov: Etude-tableau in B minor, Op.39 No.4
Sergey Rachmaninov: Elégie in E flat minor, Op.3 No.1
Sergey Rachmaninov: Etude-tableau in E flat minor, Op.39 No.5
Ludwig Van Beethoven: Piano Sonata in E flat, Op.27 No.1 (Quasi una fantasia)
Alexander Scriabin: Sonata No.5, Op.53
Interval
Sergey Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No.6 in A, Op.82

Facility Description:

Queen Elizabeth Hall

Images

Philharmonia Orchestra

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Salonen and Uchida

An evening of high drama, with Schoenberg's Piano Concerto performed by Mitsuko Uchida and Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting Beethoven's sparkling Symphony No.7.

When Schoenberg was composing his Piano Concerto, his markings at the beginning of each movement suggested an autobiographical connection - 'Life was so easy', 'Suddenly hatred broke out', 'A grave situation was created' and 'But life goes on'. Although these markings were removed in the final published version, the underlying dramatic structure still affects the listener intensely.

Beethoven's Symphony No.7, with its driving rhythms and sparkling joie de vivre, is full of bright orchestral colours. The slow introduction to the first movement lays out the skeleton of the entire work, which is coloured in over the course of the work. The finale is based on a stamping peasant dance with 'whooping horns' providing a joyous climax.

Start Date:

Thursday 1 March 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Thursday 1 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

£38 £29 £23 £18 £14 £11 £8 Premium seats £45

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Philharmonia Orchestra
Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor
Mitsuko Uchida piano

Repertoire:

Johannes Brahms: Variations on a theme by Haydn (St. Anthony)
Arnold Schoenberg: Piano Concerto
Interval
Ludwig Van Beethoven: Symphony No.7

Facility Description:

Royal Festival Hall

Images

Fats Waller Valentine Anniversary Concert

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This popular tribute performance honours Fats Waller's brilliant musical gifts, showcasing his beautifully crafted jazz compositions and celebrating his life and legacy.

Swing along to hits including 'Ain't Misbehavin', 'Honeysuckle Rose' and 'The Joint Is Jumpin'.

Start Date:

Saturday 11 February 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Saturday 11 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

£19.50 £17.50

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

Images

Richard Goode

p.goudal

Acclaimed as 'unmissable' by The Guardian, Richard Goode's recitals have been delighting audiences on both sides of the Atlantic for many years.

'Goode's special gift has always been his selfless artistry - his penetrating intellect, warm heart and nimble fingers are entirely placed at the composers' service' (The Times). His visit promises to be a series highlight this year.

His programme focuses on the compelling works of Schumann and Chopin. First there's Schumann's ever-popular Kinderszenen (Scenes of Childhood) and the piano cycle Kreisleriana, a work of contrasting sections inspired by the brilliant imagination of the German Romantic writer ETA Hoffmann. The second half is devoted to a variety of works by Chopin.

Start Date:

Sunday 12 February 2012 - 15:00

End Date:

Sunday 12 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

£32 £25 £20 £15 £12 £10 Premium £42

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability) Students' Platform Seats £7

Performer(s):

Richard Goode piano

Repertoire:

Robert Schumann: Kinderszenen, Op.15
Robert Schumann: Kreisleriana, Op.16
Interval
Fryderyk Chopin: Nocturne in E flat, Op.55 No.2
Fryderyk Chopin: Scherzo No.3 in C sharp minor, Op.39
Fryderyk Chopin: Waltz in A flat, Op.64 No.3
Fryderyk Chopin: Waltz in C sharp minor, Op.64 No.2
Fryderyk Chopin: Waltz in F, Op.34 No.3
Fryderyk Chopin: Ballade No.3 in A flat, Op.47

Facility Description:

Royal Festival Hall

Images

Randy Newman in Concert

m.critcher

This is the only London performance by acclaimed American singer-songwriter Randy Newman during his 2012 tour of Europe.

Described by the Observer as 'The first, and perhaps the best, of modern pop's great storytellers,' Newman has spent his career writing albums, songs and film scores. A pianist, composer and lyricist, Newman's work has been recorded by artists including Judy Collins, Dusty Springfield, Peggy Lee, Harry Nilsson, and Joe Cocker, among others.

He has written award-winning music and songs for films including Toy Story, James and the Giant Peach, and A Bug's Life.

This tour coincides with the recent release of the CD/DVD album package Randy Newman: Live in London, and follows the second volume in The Randy Newman Songbook series, in which Newman takes a fresh look at his work in new solo recordings. The Daily Telegraph called that album 'An invigorating celebration of the joys of great songwriting and proof of the power of one man and his piano.'

Start Date:

Tuesday 28 February 2012 - 20:00

End Date:

Tuesday 28 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

£50 £45 £40

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Facility Description:

Royal Festival Hall

Images

Conlon Nancarrow: Complete Studies for Player Piano (9/10)

m.critcher

Synchronised Pianos II

Study No.48 stands alongside study No.41 in terms of duration and sophistication. It also features two synchronised player pianos and is based on a tempo canon of two voices at an almost imperceptibility close ratio of 60 against 61.

Two piano works performed by Rex Lawson and Wolfgang Heisig on pedalled pianolas.

The concert is performed on an original Marshall and Wendell Ampico reproducing piano, identical to Nancarrow's own, operated by Rex Lawson and Wolfgang Heisig.

Start Date:

Sunday 22 April 2012 - 16:00

End Date:

Sunday 22 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

£5

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Rex Lawson pianola, Ampico reproducing piano
Wolfgang Heisig pianola, Ampico reproducing piano

Repertoire:

Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.48a
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.48b
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.48c
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.35
Conlon Nancarrow: Player Piano Study No.32

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

Images