About the London Piano Festival

Katya Apekisheva, described as being a “profoundly gifted artist” by Gramophone magazine, is one of Europe’s most renowned pianists, in demand internationally as both a soloist and as a chamber musician. She has been marked out as a pianist of exceptional gifts, performing with many of the world’s leading orchestras, and has received widespread critical acclaim for her interpretations. Katya is a Professor of Piano at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Pianist Danny Driver is recognised internationally as an artist of sophistication, insight and musical depth. A Gramophone Award-nominated artist, Driver has performed with orchestras across the globe including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Hallé and Bournemouth Symphony. Driver’s recital career to date has included numerous appearances at London’s Wigmore Hall, including a three-concert series in 2021-22 devoted to György Ligeti and his musical world.

Acclaimed as a “pianist of extraordinary gifts” (Gramophone) and “immense power” (The Times), Clare Hammond is recognised for the virtuosity and authority of her performances. In 2016, she won the Royal Philharmonic Society's 'Young Artist Award' in recognition of outstanding achievement. She has given over 50 world premieres, including those of major works by Arlene Sierra, Robert Saxton and Michael Berkeley, and her discography includes world premiere recordings of over twenty works.

Ukrainian pianist Vadym Kholodenko has captured audiences across the globe with his depth of sound, exceptional refinement of expression and consummate virtuosity. This multiple-award winning pianist (Van Cliburn Competition, Schubert Competition in Dortmund, Sendai Competition in Japan) was 21/22 Artist in Residence with the SWR Symphonieorchester. His international career has brought him to orchestras worldwide including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Staatskapelle Weimar, BBC Symphony and Japan Philharmonic.

Leszek Możdżer is one of the greatest Polish jazz musicians. He is a world-class pianist, a brave explorer and an original creator, distinguished by his own musical language. He has won numerous prizes in recognition of this, including the Grand Prize of the Culture Foundation and the Golden Bateon for Merit to Polish Culture. Since 2011, Leszek Możdżer has been the Artistic Director of the Enter Music Festival, an outdoor music festival on Lake Strzeszyńskie in Poznań. He has also recorded over 100 albums.

Described by Gramophone magazine as “one of the finest British pianists of his generation”, Charles Owen has enjoyed an extensive international career performing a wide ranging repertoire to outstanding critical acclaim. Charles Owen is a Professor of Piano at the Guildhall School in London and was appointed Steinway & Sons UK Ambassador in 2016.

One of Britain’s finest pianists, Lucy Parham applies her sensitivity and imagination not only to concertos and recitals, but also to portraits in words and music of such composers as Schumann, Rachmaninov, Chopin, Liszt and Debussy. Lucy Parham has performed throughout the UK and Europe, South Africa, USA, Canada and Russia. Her unique recording of both Robert’s and Clara’s piano concertos was named Critics’ Choice of the Year by BBC Music Magazine. Lucy Parham is a Professor of Piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London.