Toad lane Concerts: Jonathan Ellis concert pianist

Jonathan Ellis performing at a previous Toad Lane Concert

Jonathan is a popular regular player at the Toad Lane Concerts as an accompanist and chamber musician. So, it was an extra treat to see him in his own solo recital on Wednesday 15 February.

After starting to learn the piano at the age of three, he studied at Wells Cathedral School, and moved on to the prestigious joint music course of the RNCM and Manchester University graduating first-class from both institutions.

There he gained higher diplomas and prizes as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician and has become a leading exponent in all these areas.

His recital began with the meticulous Classical elegance of Haydn leading to a fantastic romantic and dramatic interpretation of Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 53, the “Waldstein”. This was a tremendous workout for the vintage 1933 Challen grand piano at St Mary in the Baum!

The Estampes of Debussy translate as Prints, in this case of exotic scenes: Pagodas, Evening in Grenada and Gardens in the rain. The conjuring up of these images is in the hands of a virtuoso pianist and Jonathan’s phenomenal technique and embraced the challenge. Similar skills were required for Vallee d’Obermann by Liszt with effective contrasts between passages of reflection and immense power.

It was a marvellous recital of enthusiastic passion that delighted the audience.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed 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 details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson