International Concert Series returns to campus for the Summer Festival
Award-winning international acts, rising stars and homegrown talent will perform at the University of Leeds this summer
Award-winning international acts, rising stars and homegrown talent will perform at the University of Leeds this summer for the annual International Concert Series Summer Festival.
The International Concert Series Summer Festival, PIANO+, will run from Friday 28 June to Friday 5 July and feature music and performances from a host of exceptional musicians, including previous Leeds International Piano Competition winner Federico Colli, British Jazz Awards winner Jason Rebello, and BBC Young Musician winner Lauren Zhang.
The festival will also feature a concert by the School of Music’s FUAM Ensemble in Residence, a performance of music by female composers in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes, and an event with Brudenell Piano Sessions.
Dan Merrick, Strategic Development Manager, School of Music, said:
“2024 is a massive year for piano in our city, so what better inspiration for a Summer Festival celebrating the world’s favourite instrument, than a collaboration with our world-renowned partner, Leeds International Piano Competition.
“A feature of recent years has been the rapid development of the Concert Series, and “PIANO+”, our third Summer Festival, is the truest expression of just how much we’ve grown.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome so many outstanding musicians to the University this summer. Perfectly aligned with Concert Series strategy, the whole programme positively shouts, excellence, diversity, and collaboration!”
Programme highlights
Friday 28 June 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm – Lauren Zhang
At the age of 16, Lauren won the BBC Young Musician Competition performing with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to widespread critical acclaim. Highlights since then include her debut at the BBC Proms and appearances as soloist with the London Mozart Players, European Union Chamber Orchestra, China National Symphony Orchestra and Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra in Warsaw.
Saturday 29 June 2024, 7:30pm – Federico Colli
Winner of the 2012 Leeds International Piano Competition, Italian pianist Federico Colli has been praised by The Daily Telegraph for ‘his beautifully light touch and lyrical grace’ and described by Gramophone as ‘one of the more original thinkers of his generation’. He returns to Leeds with a programme of Ligeti, Couperin, Ravel and Mozart's renowned Piano Sonata no 11 in A major.
Wednesday 3 July 2024, 7:30pm-9:30pm – Brudenell Piano Sessions @ Clothworkers Bar
Brudenell Piano Sessions is an intimate, varied, and eclectic series of captivating live music events highlighting the diverse and varied music being composed for and performed on the piano; founded, curated and hosted by pianist, composer and Leeds-alumni, Simeon Walker. Born out of one of the UK’s most iconic music venues - Brudenell Social Club - these events give a platform for new and emerging artists to present their work alongside other established artists from the UK and beyond, in an informal, supportive, and encouraging environment.
Friday 5 July 2024, 7:30pm – Jason Rebello
Celebrated British jazz pianist Jason Rebello was labelled a veteran by critics at 19 and over the next decade won most of the major jazz music awards.
The full schedule is available online. Follow each link to buy tickets.
The University of Leeds’ School of Music has All-Steinway School status, so all concerts will be performed on the Steinway Model D concert grand pianos in Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall and baby grand in Clothworkers Bar.
Further information
For more information please contact the University of Leeds Press Office by email on pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.
