Toad Lane Concert: Jonathan Ellis concert piano

Jonathan Ellis

Jonathan Ellis is no stranger to Toad Lane Concerts having appeared as a soloist, chamber music player and accompanist to singers and instrumentalist over many years. He has phenomenal technique, memory skills, stamina and powerful delivery. So, it was great to see him in his own right on Wednesday 21 June as a first-rate concert pianist, making the most of the vintage 1933 Challen Grand Piano in the St Mary in the Baum Church acoustic.

After starting to learn the piano at the age of three, Jonathan studied at Wells Cathedral School, and moved on to the prestigious joint music course of the RNCM and Manchester University, where he graduated first-class from both institutions and gained an impressive range of higher diplomas and prizes.

He works regularly with his Ryebank Trio as well as for City of Manchester Opera, Bury Choral Society, Opera Seria, Heritage Opera, the Pennine Spring Music Festival and the Buxton Festival Fringe, where he has three awards and five nominations since 2010. He also works for the musical charities “Music in Hospitals” and “Live Music Now.”

Mozart’s delightful Rondo in A minor K511 was brilliant, virtuosic and with touches of deep passion.

Schubert’s mighty Sonata in B flat can be daunting in length for the listener. But Jonathan made the most of the different tempi, style and moods of the 4 movements, taking each of them to another level with breathtaking stamina and energy… not to mention the sheer feat of memory.

Brahms’ Rhapsody in G minor was taken at a blistering pace to top off this sensational recital.

You would have to travel far to hear a performance of this quality. Here it was in the centre of Rochdale.

The Queen’s 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. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson