Senior musicians were treated to a very special piano masterclass this week with internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Leslie Howard.
Leslie Howard is an internationally renowned chamber musician, with an international concert itinerary which has seen him performing regularly throughout the world and appearing with the world’s finest orchestras. He is famed for the recording of hitherto unrecorded pieces by Liszt, an accomplishment of the largest solo artist recording project in the history of classical music.
In front of an audience of students and staff, several students had the opportunity to perform for Mr Howard and receive detailed, individual feedback on their technique and interpretation. Before each performance, Mr Howard chatted with the students about the pieces they had chosen, which included works by Schubert, Chopin, Debussy and Coleridge-Taylor. Each recital was given thoughtful and constructive analysis by Mr Howard, with feedback on technique, dynamics, rhythm, timing and emphasis, as well as performance techniques and tips.
The audience then had the privilege of hearing Mr Howard perform Beethoven’s Sonata in E flat Major, Op.27 no.1 and Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 13 in A minor.
Director of Music Tim Newberry said: “We were delighted to welcome the distinguished pianist and composer Leslie Howard. It was a wonderful opportunity for our musicians to receive direct individual feedback on their performances and techniques, provided by Mr Howard with clarity, humour and valuable insight. It was a privilege for us all to then hear him perform himself, an experience which will remain with us all for a long time.”
