World-famous pianist lends support to North Wales Piano Festival

He’s played at some of the most famous concert venues in the world, and is acclaimed as a leading interpreter of Beethoven, and on Saturday May 2 John Lill CBE will be heading to Snowdonia, north Wales to perform a one-off concert at Galeri, Caernarfon.

The concert takes place as part of the first ever Piano Festival organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias music centre and will coincide with the 75^th anniversary of the composer William Mathias’ birth.

Explaining why he’s taking the time out of his busy schedule to lend his support, John Lill said, “I’ve always loved the music of William Mathias.  I first came across his name when I heard something on Radio 3 many decades ago, perhaps in the sixties.  I was knocked off my feet by it, and thought ‘I must hear this to the end and find out who wrote it’.   I still remember, it was the Mathias 3^rd piano concerto.”

He then proceeded to learn William Mathias’ music.  “I learnt his first piano sonata, which I played in Cardiff, and William Mathias came down for the concert.”  That was the beginning of a very strong friendship between the two men, which lasted until the composer’s premature death in 1992.

Mr Lill adds, “His music has always been inspiring to me, and even though he’s somewhat underrated at the moment, I think he’ll make a very big name for himself by word of mouth in the near future.  His second symphony, for example, is marvellous.  And I’ve just read the 2^nd Sonata, I’ve just literally finished learning it, and I think it’s an extraordinary piece.”

This sonata will be one of the pieces included in John Lill’s programme for the concert, along with pieces by Haydn, Beethoven and Schumann.

“It’s an interesting programme,” John adds. “I’m starting with Haydn’s last sonata, as it’s the bicentenary of Haydn’s death this year.  I’m following that with Beethoven’s last sonata, so that’s a bit of a coincidence.  After the interval, I’ll be doing the Mathias second sonata and finishing off with Schumann’s ‘Carnaval’, for a little bit of light relief!”

John Lill believes supporting emerging talent through things like the Piano Festival is hugely important.  “In an age where pop is king, it’s far harder to try and succeed as a pianist.  There’s no lack of talent, but there are certainly less opportunities for it to see the light of day. Nevertheless, organisations such as the William Mathias Musical Centre should always continue to try, because I think if you really are resolved, things will happen for talented people, despite all odds.”

The concert takes place on Saturday May 2 at 8pm.  Tickets are £16 / £12 for children.  Available from Galeri’s Box office on 01286 685 222.

For full details of all the events organised as part of the Piano Festival, visit www.cgwm.net and click on ‘Events’ or phone 01286 685 230.

ENDS

Photo credit: Sophie Baker