British Piano Festival 2015

A three-day British Music Festival hosted by John Thwaites, Head of Keyboard, and leading British pianist, Mark Bebbington, featuring talented students and guest artists including the Primrose Piano Quartet.

Showcasing rarely-performed and contrasting works by Bridge, Howells, Holbrooke, Bowen, Ireland and Ferguson, the event also provides an opportunity to hear contemporary composers such as Anthony Payne with the Birmingham premiere of his new Piano Quartet, evocative instrumental pieces by Ian Venables, and Robert Matthew-Walker's dramatic Fantasy- Sonata: ‘Hamlet’ (Piano Sonata No.3) Op.34.

The opening concert will feature a unique triple-bill of sparkling and energetic 20th century piano concerto rarities by Gordon Jacob, Malcolm Williamson and Doreen Carwithen, with soloist, Mark Bebbington, and strings from the CBSO (Innovation Chamber Ensemble), conducted by Richard Jenkinson.