Leon McCawley

Described by International Piano as “one of today’s most impeccably musical pianists”, we are delighted to welcome back Leon McCawley to the University.

Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Sonata in A major, op 2, no 2
Sergei Rachmaninov -  Étude-tableau in A minor, op 39, no 2
Johann Sebastian Bach arr. Liszt - Organ Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV543
Interval
Felix Mendelssohn - Rondo capriccioso, op 14
Felix Mendelssohn - Six Songs Without Words, op 19b
Robert Schumann - Piano Sonata no 2 in G minor, op 22

Described by International Piano as “one of today’s most impeccably musical pianists”, we are delighted to welcome back Leon McCawley to the University. Winner of the Beethoven International Piano Competition in Vienna and 2nd prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1993, Leon's fascinatingly wide-ranging programme includes Beethoven’s youthful and startlingly original early Sonata, op. 2, no. 2, the desolate, soulful and bell-inspired Étude-Tableau, op 39, no 2 in A minor by Rachmaninov, and the dramatic and masterly transcription of Bach’s cathedral-like Organ Prelude and Fugue in A minor by Liszt. The second half of the programme couples Mendelssohn’s joyous and playful Rondo Capriccioso with his first set of intimate Songs Without Words, op. 19, and closes with Schumann’s passionate Sonata in G minor, op. 22.
Praised for his unfailingly communicative playing, British pianist Leon McCawley has been delighting audiences worldwide since winning, in 1993, First Prize in the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna and Second Prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition. 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.

McCawley’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). An acclaimed exponent of Mozart, he has performed and recorded (Avie Records) the complete cycle of Mozart piano sonatas in winning interpretations: “There’s absolutely no vanity in his playing. In his hands the Mozartian oeuvre emerged with striking vividness” (International Piano).

Learn more & book: Leon McCawley | University of Leeds International Concert Series