The Stoller Hall

Part of the Chetham’s International Piano Summer School – explore the live stream series in full.

1.45pm – Matthew McLachlan, Young Artists Lunchtime Recital

Chetham’s alumni Matthew McLachlan was awarded a full scholarship by the Knights of the Round Table to continue his studies at the Royal College of Music with Dina Parakhina. Recipient of numerous awards, Matthew has performed as concerto soloist and recitalist in Poland, Serbia, Italy, Lanzarote and throughout the UK.

7pm – Sarah Beth Briggs

‘An exceptionally gifted musician’ –  The Guardian

Pianist Sarah Beth Briggs is a leading recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician. Her professional career was launched at the age of eleven when she became the then youngest-ever finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year and a recipient of a Dame Myra Hess Award. Four years later she gained international recognition as joint winner of the International Mozart Competition in Salzburg. Sarah is a celebrated artist at societies and festivals throughout the UK, acclaimed by promoters and critics for her performances and for her engaging and informative introductions to recital programmes.

Sarah Beth Briggs website

8.30pm – Noriko Ogawa and Philip Smith – Piano Duo

‘What sets her apart from other pianists is her wonderful sense of timing… (Ogawa) allows the music to breathe, while maintaining the forward momentum’ – The Times

We are thrilled to welcome back Noriko Ogawa to the summer school, for her debut solo recital at The Stoller Hall – live streamed from Japan. Noriko has become world renowned since her success at the Leeds International Piano Competition. She has made appearances with all the major European, Japanese and US orchestras including the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio and BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Noriko is also renowned as a recitalist and chamber musician. Notable chamber projects include a tour of Japan with the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Ensemble and the leader of the Vienna Philharmonic, Rainer Honeck.

Philip Smith is one of Britain’s most versatile pianists. He gives solo and chamber recitals, concerto performances, and recitals with the distinguished percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie. He is a Steinway artist and appeared at the BBC Proms in 2015. As a soloist Philip has performed all of the 50 plus concertos in his repertoire and has played live and broadcast on 5 continents. In the UK he has appeared at all the major London halls and made many appearances at Symphony Hall, Birmingham and Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. A highlight of 2014 was a performance there of the Bartok Sonata for 2 pianos and percussion with Noriko Ogawa, Dame Evelyn Glennie, and the Manchester Camerata. Philip performs and gives master classes at international Summer schools and he teaches a few students privately in London. He lives there with the renowned Japanese pianist Noriko Ogawa and their cat, Sox. He particularly enjoys duet and two piano concerts in the UK and Japan with Noriko.

Noriko Ogawa website

Philip Smith website

Founded in 2001, the Chetham’s Piano Summer School is now firmly established as one of the most vibrant, respected and universally friendly events of its kind in the world. Participants enrol from all five continents and are inspired, guided and educated by an extraordinary faculty of over 60 internationally celebrated performer-teachers. This year promises to be no different and to enable access for audiences around the world, all major concerts will be available to watch online. 

Chetham’s International Piano Summer School website