Epic Performances by Festival Founders Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen, Alongside Lara Melda, Rose McLachlan, Kit Armstrong, Michael Wollny, Reinis Zariņš, Susan Tomes, and the Carducci String Quartet

The ninth annual London Piano Festival (LPF) is set to return to Kings Place, London, from 4-6 October 2024, promising a captivating blend of classical and jazz performances. Co-Artistic Directors Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen have curated a lineup that celebrates both established talent and emerging artists, offering something for every piano enthusiast. Here are five key highlights from this year’s festival.

1. Mozart Gala Featuring Early Piano Concerti

The festival opens with a Mozart Gala that showcases three of Mozart’s finest early piano concertos, offering a unique opportunity to experience these masterpieces in an intimate setting. Festival founders Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen take on the Piano Concertos in A Major (K414) and C Major (K415), respectively, while rising star Lara Melda, known for winning the BBC Young Musician competition in 2010, performs the Concerto in E-flat Major (K449). Accompanying them is the Carducci String Quartet, who will add a rich layer to the performance with special arrangements for string quartet. This concert is a must-see for Mozart aficionados and marks the beginning of three days of exceptional music.

2. Fauré Centenary Celebration with Salon-Style Performance

Apekisheva and Owen return to the stage on 5 October with a recital titled “Fauré 100: Fin De Siècle,” honouring the centenary of the great French composer Gabriel Fauré. The recital, designed to evoke the feel of a 19th-century Parisian salon, will feature a mix of solo and duet performances. The programme includes works by Fauré and his female contemporaries, Mel Bonis and Cecile Chaminade, highlighting the era’s rich cultural tapestry. The concert will conclude with Fauré’s beloved Dolly Suite, a delightful composition for piano duet that underscores the pianists’ long-standing collaboration. This intimate setting offers a rare opportunity to experience Fauré’s music in the way it was originally intended to be heard.

3. Rose McLachlan’s Tribute to Chopin’s Nocturnes

One of the festival’s most innovative performances comes from Rose McLachlan, who makes her festival debut with a recital that reimagines Chopin’s nocturnes. Titled “Twenty-Two Nocturnes,” this anthology consists of 22 new pieces inspired by Chopin’s original works, all composed by women. McLachlan has curated this collection from over 80 submissions by talented but underrepresented composers from around the world. The concert will feature a diverse range of styles and voices, including both emerging and established composers, and provides a fresh, contemporary take on one of classical music’s most beloved forms. This recital not only pays homage to Chopin but also shines a spotlight on female composers in the classical world.

4. Jazz Meets Classical with Armstrong and Wollny

Jazz and classical music intersect in a special collaboration between classical pianist Kit Armstrong and jazz pianist Michael Wollny. Both artists are making their festival debuts with a programme titled “Armstrong meets Wollny,” which promises a unique blend of solo and duo improvisations. This performance will appeal to fans of both genres, offering a rare chance to witness two virtuosos from different musical worlds come together to create something entirely new. The fusion of their distinct styles is sure to be a highlight of the festival, providing an evening of dynamic and unpredictable music-making.

5. Susan Tomes on Women and the Piano

The festival concludes on 6 October with a recital and discussion led by Susan Tomes, a pianist and writer renowned for her insightful performances and contributions to classical music literature. Her programme, “Women and the Piano,” draws from her recent book of the same title and explores the works of female composers over the past two centuries. The recital will feature compositions by Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, Amy Beach, and others, celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of women to piano music. Following the recital, Tomes will participate in a Q&A session with Tim Parry, editor of International Piano magazine, offering further insights into her research and the featured composers.

Conclusion

The 2024 London Piano Festival promises to be an enriching and diverse celebration of piano music, featuring performances from some of the most talented musicians in the world today. With a focus on both traditional and contemporary works, as well as a commitment to highlighting female composers, this year’s festival is not to be missed. Whether you’re a fan of classical, jazz, or both, the lineup at Kings Place offers something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to experience these exceptional performances live. Tickets are available now, with special pricing for under 30s and concessions.