Toad Lane Concerts: Ellada Pavlou piano

Ellada Pavlou

Toad Lane concertgoers at St Mary in the Baum were saved from an unfortunate ill-health cancellation at short notice on Wednesday (16 February) by a stunning stand-in performance from Ellada Pavlou.

A previously regular guest, Italian/American pianist Giulia Contaldo was the expected performer. She had been the replacement herself the previous Saturday in a live broadcast of Schumann’s piano concerto with the BBC Philharmonic at the Bridgewater Hall (at 4 days’ notice). Subsequently, she experienced tendonitis. Fortunately, a talented colleague was able to stand in for her - at one day’s notice.

However, there were no complaints about the replacement as she gave a wonderful performance. Ellada Angelina Pavlou was born in Xanthi, Greece, starting lessons at the age of five. She completed her master’s degree and postgraduate diploma at the RNCM having graduated initially from Trinity Laban Conservatoire.

Ellada has won prizes in several international piano competitions, including 1st prize and a scholarship at Kozani International Music Festival. She regularly performs as a soloist and in chamber music and is currently a member of the Northern Film Orchestra.

She demonstrated phenomenal technique and expressive range as well as a friendly and relaxed relationship with the audience. Her programme opened with Brahms’ three Intermezzos op. 117, which were beautifully conveyed.

Then came Robert Schumann’s monumental Fantasie op. 17. This is titled as a single piece (perhaps a love letter to Clara?) over 30 minutes in length but moving through several moods and pianistic styles. This was superbly played from memory and with heartfelt emotion.

The award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available now, but the venue is Covid-19 compliant. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see the February & March 2022 programme, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson