It's been such a hectic few weeks; multi-tasking seems to be part of modern life and career these days, not that I'm complaining. I'm pleased to announce the completion of the Anglo-Russian trilogy so the final disc in this set (Walton and Shostakovich No.1 concertos) is now being mastered for an Autumn release. This includes the world premiere of the revised ending William Walton wrote for the concerto in 1975 but until now never heard, performed or recorded. I am privileged to be the first. Perhaps it was destiny with my name . .. . ! We were poised to send Lady Walton this first recorded version but alas, rest her soul, she recently passed away. And so the CD will be dedicated to her memory.
Meanwhile, my pianist Daniel Grimwood and I are following the Grieg/Rachmaninov disc with another coupling: Chopin and Saint-Saëns' (No.2) sonatas, recorded at Wyastone towards the end of this week. For once it might not snow. Although . .. .. .
And later in the year I shall be back in the studio with the Philharmonia Orchestra to record the great Dvorak and Schumann concertos.
My second London performance this year is approaching on May 9th at King's Place with sonatas by Beethoven, Brahms, Britten and Prokofiev. I love London audiences, as I do Yorkshire ones . . ...
. . the second North York Moors Chamber Music Festival is now unveiled - details are up on www.nymchambermusicfestival.org - after last year's sell out festival I am expecting big things for this one and looking forward to it immensely. Do spread the word and come along! Advance booking highly recommended (bookings@nymchambermusicfestival.org or 01751 417795).
The dam has burst and the music shall now pour forth at an intense rate . . . . . . !
