Pianists to the fore in Perth Concert Hall

Jan 15 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE upcoming classical season at Perth Concert Hall will see some memories in the making as two top pianists take up special invitations to perform in the Fair City venue.

Perth-born and educated pianist Alasdair Beatson takes up his post as artist in residence in Perth Concert Hall this month for an exciting exploration of the Romantic repertoire, both solo and with a selection of his favourite chamber music partners.

No stranger to Perth Concert Hall, now Andrew is here to stay audiences can enjoy some delightful surprises as he warms to his new role.

In February, Llyr Williams sets off on his epic and comprehensive journey through Beethoven’s entire range of piano sonatas.

Lying at the heart of Beethoven’s life’s work, the 32 piano sonatas trace his progress from brilliant young man to the unquestioned genius of his age. The first was completed in 1795, the last in 1822 – just five years before his death. The sonatas hold some of Beethoven’s boldest, most profound and personal music.

In Llyr Williams they find an ideal interpreter: a musician of deep insight, commanding presence and formidable technique.

Alasdair’s first Concert Hall performance of the new season is a lunchtime concert with two Scottish Ensemble members Jonathan Morton (violin) and Alison Lawrence (cello) at 1pm on Monday, January 25.

Llyr William’s ‘Beethoven – a life in eight chapters’ opens with ‘First Thoughts’ on Tuesday, February 2, at 7.30pm.

Full details and tickets from the Concert Hall box office, telephone 01738 621031, and online at www.horsecross.co.uk