A long awaited return visit by the distinguished British pianist Leon McCawley. He first played for us in 1996! after winning, in 1993, First Prize in the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna and Second Prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition. He has been delighting audiences worldwide ever since. His many concert performances and extensive discography have established him as a pianist of great integrity and variety bringing freshness and vitality to Classical, Romantic and 20th century repertoire. He has made acclaimed performances at the major venues in the UK, including the London Piano Series at Wigmore Hall and four invitations to International Piano Series at London’s Southbank Centre. Abroad he has played at the Hong Kong Arts Festival, New York’s Lincoln Center and Singapore International Piano Festival. As concerto soloist he has performed with many leading orchestras both in the UK and further afield. He has received many accolades for his wide-ranging discography making him ‘One of today’s most impeccably musical pianists.’ International Piano. Leon’s 2024 release ‘Natural Connection’ for SOMM Recordings is no exception: “This scintillatingly varied recital combines sensuous virtuosity, compelling charm and musical probity. Highly recommended.” (Gramophone, February 2024).
Leon's programme for the Music Circle includes Beethoven's Sonata in A major Op.2 No.2, Étude-tableau in A minor Op.39 No.2 by Rachmaninov, Bach arr. Liszt Organ Prelude and Fugue in A minor BWV543, Mendelssohn's Rondo capriccioso Op.14 and Six Songs Without Words Op.19b and the Sonata No.2 in G minor Op.22 by Schumann.
