We are delighted to welcome renowned Pianist, Teacher and Writer Christian Dawson to our Lunchtime Concert series.
Ahead of his performance he has shared some of his background and inspiration behind his programme.
When did you begin playing the piano?
I started playing comparatively late - I was 6-7 years old. My sister played the piano to around grade 4 or 5 standard at the time, and I would stand and watch her practice. One day, I sat down after she had finished and started to play what she had been practicing
Can you share some of your favourite performances?
My own: I have to be honest and say I don't always enjoy performing on my own! Therefore, if I had to pick, I think I would choose one of the many collaborative performances with a soprano called Catrin Woodruff-Abel. We first started working together at the Royal Northern College of Music performing the Poulenc song cycles. Our musical discovery and dialogue flowed very naturally, and we always managed to inspire each other by doing something different on stage.
Other people: I will never forget hearing the pianist Martha Argerich perform for the first time; it was actually a radio broadcast back in 2001, and she was playing the mighty Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1.
It wasn't long after that I saw her perform live. I have many wonderful memories of travelling across the UK and Europe with friends to see her perform. No one plays the piano better. I'm delighted that I am still able to hear her perform today.
How did you decide on your programme for the Lunchtime Concert?
I always decide on a programme that feels close to me at that particular time.
This programme explores the history, breadth and range of the piano - there is lots of contrast, light and dark, despair, hope, grief, wonder, all in a relatively short amount of time. Liszt's music reminds me of my student days at the Royal Northern College of Music, which I think about with great affection.
You can discover more about Christian on his website www.christiandawson.co.uk
Christian's lunchtime concert will take place on Friday 13 March at 12pm, with tea and coffee served from 11.30am.