The Leeds International Piano Competition

Lars Vogt Recital at RNCM, 12th December

06/12/2011 00:00:00

The great German pianist and former Leeds prize-winner Lars Vogt will be performing at the RNCM in Manchester on Monday 12 December, 7.30pm. He will be performing an Austro-German programme of music by Schubert, Schoenberg and Brahms.

Following his second prize-win at the 1990 Competition Lars Vogt went on to become the Berlin Philharmonic’s first ever Pianist in Residence in 2003. He has since given major concerto and recital performances across the globe, regularly playing with the likes of the Boston Symphony, New York Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw.

Event Information:
Date & Time - Monday, 12 December 2011, 7:30PM
Venue - RNCM Concert Hall
Programme -
Franz Schubert Sonata No 18 in G major D 894
Arnold Schoenberg Six Little Piano Pieces Op 19
Johannes Brahms Intermezzi Op 117
Johannes Brahms Variations on a theme of Paganini Op 35 No 1 (Book1)
Ticket Price - £17, £14
Concessions - Concessions available
For tickets and further information, visit the RNCM website.

Administrative Assistant Job Vacancy

24/11/2011 00:00:00

The Leeds International Piano Competition is seeking an outstanding individual to join a small administrative team to assist with the general planning and running of the Competition. The ideal candidate would have excellent IT skills, an interest in classical music, experience working at events and enjoy working as part of a team.

The deadline for applications is 7 December and interviews will take place on 14 December 2011.

To apply, please download (links given below) and complete the application pack and submit this together with a covering letter, to Elizabeth Blanckenberg, Administrator to info@leedspiano.com. For enquiries about this position, please ring 0113 244 6586.

Download application pack in...
1. PDF format or
2. DOC format

Sofya Gulyak Recital a Sell-out

01/11/2011 00:00:00

Sofya Gulyak, First Prize-winner the 2009 Leeds International Piano Competition will return to Leeds in front of a sell-out crowd for her recital on December 11.

Sofya will be performing works by Rachmaninov, Cesar Franck, Fauré and Ravel in what promises to be a spectacular close to our 2011 Recital Series.

Royal Philharmonic Society honours for Dame Fanny Waterman

01/09/2011 00:00:00

The co-founder and Director of the Leeds International Piano Competition, pianist and teacher Dame Fanny Waterman has been made an Honorary Member of the Royal Philharmonic Society in recognition of her outstanding services to music, and services to the piano in particular. The award, made by the society in 2010, was presented by RPS Chairman John Gilhooly at a piano recital by Andràs Schiff at the Royal Hall, Harrogate on Sunday 17 July. Now in her nineties, still indomitable, Dame Fanny Waterman continues to travel the world as a juror of international piano competitions. In presenting the certificate of Honorary Membership of the Royal Philharmonic Society, John Gilhooly commented: “It is with great joy that we have finally managed to make her pause long enough, in her beloved Yorkshire, to receive this very special award.”

Honorary Membership of the Royal Philharmonic Society is given in recognition of outstanding services to music. Past recipients have included composers, conductors, performers, music commentators, patrons, programmers, publishers and educationalists.Illustrious Honorary Members have included Rossini (1839), Brahms (1882), Clara Schumann (1887), Stravinsky (1921), Aaron Copland (1970), Paul Sacher (1991) Lady Evelyn Barbirolli (2001) and most recently, the founder of El Sistema, José Antonio Abreu (2008) Sir Brian McMaster (2009) Graham Johnson (2010) George Benjamin and Tony Fell (2011).
Dame Fanny Waterman occupies a pre-eminent position in the piano teaching world. After a notable performing career, she felt that her real vocation was as a teacher. Over the years she has given Master-Classes on six continents, appeared on television and radio, and with Marion Harewood (Marion Thorpe) has compiled a series of publications entitled Piano Lessons with Fanny Waterman/Marion Harewood, which now runs to thirty volumes which have achieved sales of two million copies. In 1963 with Marion Thorpe (then the Countess of Harewood) and her late husband, Dr. Geoffrey de Keyser, she founded the Leeds International Piano Competition, which is regarded by the international music community as the world’s greatest international piano competition.

For the last thirty years she has become a highly sought after jury member of international competitions including the Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Horowitz, Hamamatsu, Chopin, Bach, Vina del Mar and UNISA. Forthcoming jury engagements include the China and Leipzig piano competitions. Several of her students have been prize-winners in the Leeds, Tchaikovsky, Rubinstein, Busoni, London and Geneva
competitions.

In recognition of her services to music, Dame Fanny was awarded the OBE in 1971, the CBE in 1999 and in 2005 she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She has also been awarded Honorary Doctorates by the Universities of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan and York and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Music.

In its citation, the Council of the Royal Philharmonic Society says:

“Over the years, several very distinguished pianists have received Honorary Membership of the Royal Philharmonic Society: Ignaz Paderewski, Clara Schumann, Solomon, Gerald Moore, Claudio Arrau and Graham Johnson to name but a few. But arguably none has done as much to further the cause of the piano and piano playing as the indefatigable powerhouse that is Fanny Waterman.

Both as a concert pianist, and later as a teacher, Fanny is led by her passion for music and rigorously high standards. Her status as a teacher is now legendary: she has inspired and instructed generations of musicians, both in person and through the millions of copies of her teaching books sold around the world.

Fifty years ago, together with Marion Thorpe, and her late husband, Dr. Geoffrey de Keyser, she founded the Leeds International Piano Competition in her beloved Yorkshire, with which her name has become synonymous. She has nurtured it into one of the greatest international piano competitions in the world and launched the careers of such virtuosic young pianists as Radu Lupu, Murray Perahia, Mitsuko Uchida and Andràs Schiff.”

Trevor Green announced as CEO of the Competition

01/08/2011 00:00:00

Dame Fanny Waterman DBE, Founder, Chairman and Artistic Director of the Leeds International Piano Competition announced today that Trevor Green is to take up the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of the Competition. Green, originally from Manchester, held the position of Head of Music for BBC North between 1988 and 1997. He has also held positions as Director of ABC Concerts (Australia) and Director of the Australian National Academy of Music. Until recently, he was Managing Director of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australia, a position he held for 11 years. A professional musician by training, Green has also been involved in many highly regarded performance competitions including Australian Young Performer of the Year and the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition.

Dame Fanny says: “I have known Trevor Green for many years and I have always been greatly impressed by his business acumen and by his genuine concern and interest in helping young musicians of all disciplines. Trevor is an eminent international musician and his presence will not only make a great musical contribution to the Leeds International Piano Competition but will also bring great vitality to the City of Leeds and Yorkshire.

I continue to remain as Chairman and Artistic Director, but his appointment ensures the succession of the Competition and will support me and maintain this great British musical institution for many years to come”

Dame Janet Baker (Patron) says: “This exciting appointment is a superb example of the right person appearing at the right time. I am delighted for the future of the Competition and in particular for the invaluable support which will be available for our Chairman, Dame Fanny: Sir Mark Elder agrees, saying: “Trevor is a highly esteemed musician with important national and international contacts” Marian Thorpe CBE, (co-founder of the Competition) says: it is marvellous news and wonderful for the Competition and its future”

Trevor Green says: I am delighted to accept this exciting position to build on the outstanding achievements of Dame Fanny Waterman and to work with Dame Fanny and the Trustees in securing the long term future for this competition, widely regarded as the world’s premier piano competition. I am looking forward to building the Leeds International Piano Competition into a broader 21st Century company as well as maintaining the excellent reputation and artistic standards of the Competition.

Trevor Green will commence his role in August.

Andrew Brownell Wigmore Hall Recital

05/06/2011 00:00:00

Venue: Wigmore Hall
Date: 05 June 2011
Time: 7.30pm

Ticket Prices: £10, £14, £17, £20

Programme:

Bach - Partita No. 6 in E min, BWV830

Chopin - Nocturnes, Op. 27
- Scherzo No. 4 in E min, Op. 54

Hummel - Piano Sonata in F min, Op. 20

Liszt - Réminiscences de Don Juan

Second Prize Winner at the 2006 Leeds International Piano Competition Andrew Brownell gives his Wigmore Hall debut recital on 05 June.

Brownell, who was recently described by an American critic as "an extraordinary pianist who impresses as much with his mind as with his hands" is a fellow of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and since 2009 has been the Artist-in-Residence at the Orpheus and Bacchus Festival in France.

A strong advocate of the music of Hummel, Brownell will feature the composer's Sonata in F min, Op. 20 alongside works by Bach, Chopin and Liszt.

Alexej Gorlatch - Recital at Carnegie Hall

14/04/2011 00:00:00

Harris Goldsmith reviews Alexej Gorlatch's Carnegie Hall recital for New York Concert Review.

Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall, part of the Carnegie Hall complex, presented Alexej Gorlatch on April 14th as the First Prize winner of the AXA Dublin International Piano Competition. Gorlatch, who is 22 (born in Kiev, in 1988), was also the Silver Medalist at the 2009 Leeds International in the U.K., where his performance of Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto elicited a glowing comment from the Guardian (Manchester): “…immaculate in its poetry and aggression.” Those two characteristics, when you think of them, are more apt than conflicting for that particular Beethoven masterpiece; certainly Gorlatch’s technically superb pianism at the Zankel recital was impressive for its “poetry” but, let’s face it: any hopeful who could enter–and triumph–at so many daunting marathons would, ipso facto, be an “aggressive” and determined, self-assured contender!

Mr. Gorlatch’s burgeoning career has been adorned by a succession of prizes and honors since he was eleven-years-old. To name some: the German National Jugend Musiziert Competition (several times); the Steinway Competitions of Berlin and Hamburg; the Grotien Steinweg in Braunachweig; and the Robert Schumann Competition for Young Pianists in Zwickau, where he was awarded the Yehudi Menuhin Prize for best participant. He garnered prizes at the Vladimir Horowitz International Competition in Kiev and at the Chopin International in Warsaw.

In fact, this writer covered the then 18-year-old artist’s April 4, 2007 recital at Weill Hall when he came to us as the winner of the 2006 Hamamatsu International Competition (reviewed in Volume 14, No. 3 of this magazine.) His program at the time included the Beethoven Sonata, Op. 101, Schumann’s Fantasy Pieces, Op. 12, and all twelve Chopin Etudes, Op. 10. I praised his Beethoven as “structurally clear, tautly organized and sensibly clarified…a young man’s approach…Though additional areas of experience and insight may undoubtedly reveal spiritual mysteries, Gorlatch’s way was certainly on the right track.” The Schumann tone poems were “thoroughly idiomatic: clearly and simply phrased and free from affetuoso point-making… His playing represented the best of the best of the admirable Teutonic tradition (Gorlatch has been living and studying in Germany), with warm, robust down-to-the-bottom-of-the-keys sonority, yet with sufficient glow and color and ardent rhythmic vitality.” At that time, I was not quite so contented with Gorlatch’s performances of the Chopin Etudes: “Having praised his purposefulness, it seems churlish to remark that I wish he would loosen up a bit. Playing a concert also has a side potential for entertainment, and although I certainly don’t want ‘cuteness’ and pandering to an audience, I daresay that there is room for a bit of drama and communication…Mr. Gorlatch is obviously a great talent, but as he develops, he will realize that a performer can also be communicative and be fun to listen to…’’ That was when he was 18.

I am particularly pleased to report that at this concert–four years later–he showed just the type of growth I would hope for (and expect) from an already promising artist. His performances of Beethoven’s Op. 110, Bartok’s “Out of Doors”, Four Debussy Preludes and a Chopin group had far more nuance, flexibility, color, and humor. The Beethoven sonata was notable for its almost operatic cantabile, and the pianist brought out innumerable, cherishable passing felicities. I am a bit surprised, however, that he chose to divide the runs in the first movement between the hands (as Beethoven himself calls for in the E major recapitulation later on), but this is a miniscule quibble.

The Bartok had great sensitivity and a feeling of detached understatement. The accuracy and precision were indeed awesome, although the requisite calm and repose of “The Night’s Music”’s insect noises were judiciously recreated against an unusual backdrop of anxious momentum. The opening “With Drums and Pipes” and the culminating “The Chase” were unusually subtle, but a bit too refined. Gorlatch’s way with the Bartok reminded me of Perahia’s sensitive interpretation.

One could say the same thing about the Debussy which–high praise indeed–were in the Gieseking tradition. He elicited a beguiling fragrance in “Les Sons et Parfumes Tournent dans du Soir” (from Book II) and an almost troubadour like declamation of “La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin” that made it seem it was being improvised on the spot. For once, “Feux d’Artifice” (Book ll) sounded decorative and entertaining (not the usual bombastic firecrackers that burn your hands!). “Ce qu a vu le vent d’Quest” (Book l) similarly may have been more notable for its delicacy than its Katrina-like ferocity; but its sophistication ultimately won me over.

In the concluding Chopin group, the “Barcarolle”–a bit laid-back at first–did summon a modicum of drama; the ending run was terrific. Four Mazurkas from Op. 67 and 68 were undulant and dance-like; (the A minor, Op. 68, with its trills, was played “Lento”– a slow dance, not “Lento” as a dirge); I liked its curvaceousness. The A-flat Polonaise, Op. 53, a mite small-scaled for my taste, was almost too easy for him; the famous octaves went by astonishingly and fleetly well. (But Rubinstein’s sui generis interpretation will always stubbornly retain my loyal affection).

And I am delighted to observe: Mr. Gorlatch’s new stage presence has livened up gratifying well. He gave us two encores: the c-sharp minor Etude, Op. 10, No. 4 was almost Richter-like in its brilliance and headlong tempo; and the E-flat Waltz, Op. 1 came forth with intoxicating dazzle.
A wonderful concert!

-Harris Goldsmith for New York Concert Review; New York, NY

Young talent is music to my ears, says Dame Fanny

04/02/2011 00:00:00

Outreach programme helps future musicians

The words “Die Holde Kunst” mean “The Great Art of Music” and were spoken by one of the world’s best known composers, Franz Peter Schubert.

They were repeated at the West Park Centre in Leeds when another famous name from the music world, Dame Fanny Waterman, met who she hopes will be the next generation of great musicians.

Dame Fanny, who will be 91 next month, is the founder and driving force of the Leeds International Piano Competition, recognised as the most prestigious of its kind in the world.

In addition to attracting entries from the world’s most gifted pianists, the competition has an outreach programme which encourages young people, particularly youngsters from less well-off areas, to take up music and hopefully provide a new generation of talent.

This week, almost 400 of them gathered at the West Park Centre to be introduced to the world of music and hear the work of the great composers, as well as play their own instruments.

The three-day event involved workshops and performances by pianist Benjamin Frith and ArtForms Woodwind Trio – Dame Fanny speaks passionately about the project: “Music is therapeutic”, she said “It follows us from cradle to the grave. It doesn’t matter if you can’t play a musical instrument. It is important for your life to be a music lover, and to go to concerts, to hear the great masterpieces.” “Today is important because it will spark off quite a few of these children. When I was a child it was occasions like this, when I was taken to concerts by my parents, that made them realise I loved music. The more encouragement we can give to these children, the more they will take it up, become a conductor, join an orchestra, play an instrument, or merely become music lovers.”

The Leeds International Piano Competition attracts entries from dozens of countries around the world. Dame Fanny said that 200 to 250 applicants would be whittled down to 100.The Competition began in 1961 and takes places every three years, with the next due to take place in 2012.

Newly-appointed trustee Rowland Gee said the competition would be looking to the private sector for more funding in light of Government cuts.
He said “the Competition will be affected by the austerity measures in this country. The role of the trustees is to make sure it goes on forever”.

By Peter Lazenby, Yorkshire Evening Post, Friday February 4 2011

Workshops hit right note with young musicians

01/02/2011 00:00:00

Trustees hope to expand scheme

Tomorrows' musicians are being nurtured by trustees of the Leeds International Piano Competition.

They hope to expand their outreach programme, which supports budding talent, over the next two years.

On three days this week, the competition's staff are hosting workshops at West Park Centre, north Leeds, which is an active centre for the arts.

Some 370 children aged 10 to 12 from accross the city will improve their playing of violin, guitar, cornet, cello and even the glockenspiel.

The youngsters are already taking part in Wider Opportunities, a Government scheme which encourages them to learn an instrument.

The workshops are aimed at schools whose pupils are under-represented in higher education.

Celebreated pianist Benjamin Frith - who is a former pupil of Dame Fanny Waterman, the founder of the piano competition - and the ArtForms Woodwind Trio will introduce the children to the music of Chopin.

A big screen will project pictures of Benjamin's hands as he plays works by the composer.

Wider Opportunities co-ordinator Betsey Whiting said: "Not only will the pupils learn about Chopin, they will hear live performances of his work and will also be able to use their own musical skills."

Benjamin Frith is excited about the workshops and said: "We want the children to be inspired with a new appreciation of music."

The competition office hopes Leeds City Council will give further funding to support its outreach programme. It has plans to work with the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

Outreach has recently worked with prisoners at Armley Jail and clients of St George's Crypt; and has worked for 30 years with the Yorkshire Association for Music and Special Educational Needs (YAMSEN).

This project provides fortnightly workshops for adults who are mentally and physically handicapped.
Since they began in 1979, the number of students has steadily grown to almost 100.

By Howard Williamson, Yorkshire Evening Post, Tuesday February 1st 2011.

BBC Radio 3 present Pianothon

01/09/2009 00:00:00

BBC Radio 3 invites amateur musicians to join celebrations around Leeds for the 2009 Competition.
Across the final weekend of the 2009 competition, Radio 3 built on the success of last years Pianothon by inviting amateur pianists of all ages and abilities to participate in an informal public concert. This non-competitive event allowed entrants to perform solo or as part of a duo.

Performances were broadcast across the station and presented by Sarah Walker.

The event was held at Clothworkers Concert Hall, University of Leeds on Saturday 12 September. Pianist Benjamin Frith (one of Dame Fanny Waterman's most celebrated pupils), and Noriko Ogawa (a Leeds finalist from 1987), each hosted a masterclass during the day and shared their expertise with participants.

Performances and interviews from the event were broadcast the following week on Afternoon on 3 and Breakfast. All those who participated were recorded; their performances being made available on the Radio 3 website.

Sarah Walker said: “BBC Radio 3’s Pianothon was a wonderfully creative and inclusive way of celebrating the joy of making music at the piano. Linking Pianothon to this year’s Leeds International Piano Competition celebrates piano-playing right across the spectrum - from talented amateurs to top ranking professionals."

BBC Radio 3 and BBC FOUR broadcast the 2009 Competition.

`Pianist and broadcaster Iain Burnside presented coverage of the final of the 2009 Competition on Radio 3 on Sunday 13 September 2009. Each competitor performed their chosen concerto with Sir Mark Elder and the Hallé orchestra and these performances were televised with one concerto broadcast weekly across six programmes on BBC FOUR.

Radio 3 also featured the prizewinners' Gala concert in which the finalists were brought together again in a programme of works taken from their repertoires throughout the competition. Their performances were broadcast in the second half of Performance on 3 from 12 – 16 September 2009.

In a series of six programmes about the 2009 Competition, BBC FOUR broadcast each finalist’s concerto performance. These included profiles on the finalists and discussions about repertoire, each performance, and a brief historical portrait about the competition. This was a BBC Wales production for BBC FOUR.

The World’s Greatest Piano Competition Begins

25/08/2009 00:00:00

The 16th Leeds International Piano Competition was officially started by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Judith Elliott in the Great Hall at the University of Leeds. The esteemed jury of international music specialists took their seats for the first day of a packed judging schedule.

The first competitor, Ryoma Takagi from Japan, was welcomed to the stage by a large audience. His performance, the first of the 125 between 26th August and 13 September, was greeted with rapturous applause.

Lost in Music

25/08/2009 00:00:00

Emmanuel Despax rehearses on the Steinway Concert Grand Model D, in the Great Hall, University of Leeds.

One of the unique attributes of 'The Leeds' is the extensive practice programme that is put in place for competitors. Music lovers in and around Leeds throw their doors open and allow competitors to practice on their pianos for hours each day. As part of that itinerary, each participant is given time to practice on the Steinway Concert Grand Model D, that is used during the rounds.

A Musical League of Nations

18/08/2009 00:00:00

The 68 competitors for the 2009 Leeds International Piano Competition gathered for a welcome dinner at Devonshire Hall in the company of Dame Fanny Waterman, distinguished members of the Board, and the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Judith Elliott.

The Lord Mayor gave a welcome speech and expressed her delight that the competition is taking place during her year in office. She wished the competitors the best and encouraged them to explore the city during their stay.

Dame Fanny thanked the Mayor and spoke of her pleasure at finally meeting the competitors in person. She reminded them that though there is only one winner of ‘The Leeds’, many runners up and down the years had gone on to have long and successful careers. In her mind, she said, they were all winners.

The Lord Mayor presented the Henry Rudolf Meisels bursary to each competitor. Meisels was a Vienese-born philanthropist who donated £102,497 to the competition in 2003 despite never attending the event. He made the bequest on behalf of his first wife, Joy, a keen pianist who died in 1980. It was decided that the money should be used to provide each competitor with £100 to enhance their stay in Leeds.

Name That Tuner

18/08/2009 00:00:00

Ulrich Gerhartz, Director of Concert & Artists Services for Steinway & Sons, prepares the Steinway Concert Grand Model D, to be played in the upcoming Leeds International Piano Competition 2009 at the Great Hall, Leeds University. The Piano retails at £106,000.

Pianists and Pianos arrive in Leeds

01/08/2009 00:00:00

Pianists and pianos arriving in Leeds for the 16th Leeds International Piano Competition, in time for the opening day on Wednesday 26th of August.
Steinway pianos were delivered to the homes of volunteers around the city who host competitors for the all important practice sessions.
The competition is a showcase for top-class pianists from across the world. Previous prize-winners have performed at the BBC Proms in London, and in 2008, eight previous prizewinners were invited to perform there.

University supports Competition

04/04/2009 00:00:00

University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Arthur, and Leeds International Piano Competition Co-founder and Artistic Director, Dame Fanny Waterman, announced the University’s support for the 2009 Competition.

The University of Leeds has been a supporter and partner of the competition since it was first run in 1963, and its historic Great Hall was one of the key venues for the 2009 Competition. It is a fitting relationship: the University of Leeds is one of the UK's leading research universities, housing one of the largest schools of music, and has a major commitment to performance. University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Arthur, said: "The University is a long-standing and committed supporter and partner of this competition. As one of the UK's leading research universities with one of the largest schools of music in the country, it is fitting that our Great Hall should provide the venue for the first three stages and the prize winners' Gala Recital."

Residency at the Royal College of Music

01/01/2009 00:00:00

Dame Fanny Waterman, co-founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition, and a former student at the Royal College of Music, recently completed a two-day residency at the RCM, during which she was reunited with some old friends.

Colin Lawson, Director of the RCM, is a former student, and Head of Keyboard. Vanessa Latarche, and Tutors Dmitri Alexeev and Leon McCawley competed in ‘The Leeds’ early in their careers. Alexeev won the competition in 1975 and has returned twice as a juror, and McCawley took second prize in 1993.

Dame Fanny held an informal class for students then delivered a lecture entitled ‘My Life of Teaching'. The following day she held a Masterclass.

Present at the Masterclass alongside RCM students was Marion Thorpe, the co-founder of the competition; the competition's Patron, Dame Janet Baker and Lady Solti, wife of conductor George Solti. Other guests included RCM Chairman Professor Lord Winston and Lady Lipworth.

CBE for Piano Competition Co-founder

01/06/2008 00:00:00

Marion Thorpe began playing the piano before she entered kindergarten and went on to found the Leeds International Piano Competition with Dame Fanny Waterman. In the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours List she was honoured for her services to music with a CBE.

Born Maria Stein, the young pianist arrived in the UK from Germany with her family in 1937. The daughter of musician Erwin Stein, she spent her early days with her family sharing a house with composer Benjamin Britten.