Top pianist to perform in Downpatrick

Top pianist to perform in Downpatrick

21 May 2014

LEADING Irish pianist Michael McHale is stopping at Down Arts Centre on Friday as part of his Irish Piano tour.

Belfast born Michael has established himself as one of the leading pianists of his generation. He has developed a busy international career as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician, performing in the Lincoln Center, New York; Konzerthaus, Berlin; Tanglewood Festival, and for TV and radio broadcasts throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America.

Born in 1983, his interest in music began at the age of seven when he started learning the piano, soon followed by cello lessons at the City of Belfast School of Music. A varied education took Michael from Belfast to Dublin, Cambridge and ultimately London.

His performing career encompasses solo recital, concerto and chamber music appearances and he enjoys playing both core and contemporary repertoire.

The programme of varied and beautiful piano repertoire to be played at Down Arts Centre will include works from Michael’s début 

solo album ‘The Irish Piano’, including Traditional Irish Airs arranged for piano by Michael, along with works by Mozart, Chopin, Barber and Bax.

Schubert’s Impromptu in E flat major, Chopin’s Nocturne in E major, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Hammond’s Open the Door Softy and Michael McHale’s arrangement of Cailín ó cois tSuire Mé are among the programme highlights.

‘The Irish Piano’ has received international radio attention, with critic Norman Lebrecht describing it as “scintillating…fascinating from start to stop”, whilst Gramophone praised “the singing sensibility of McHale’s sensitive and polished pianism”.

Friday’s concert starts in Downpatrick at 8pm. To purchase tickets (£12 / £10) and for further information on any Down Arts Centre events, contact the box office on 028 4461 0747. The complete Down Arts Centre Season Programme is available to download at www.downartscentre.com.