We welcomed back renowned pianist and alum James Baillieu to Trinity Laban to celebrate the start of our chamber music season for the new academic year in October.
Described by The Daily Telegraph as ‘in a class of his own’, James Baillieu is one of the leading song and chamber music pianists of his generation. He has given solo and chamber recitals throughout the world and collaborates with a wide range of singers and instrumentalists including Benjamin Appl, Jamie Barton, Lise Davidsen, the Elias and Heath Quartets, and Pretty Yende. As a soloist, he has appeared with the Ulster Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, and the Wiener Kammersymphonie. Highlights of his 23/24 season include a recital tour with Lise Davidsen at venues including the Metropolitan Opera House, the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, the Wigmore Hall, and the Wiener Staatsoper.
Our students excelled under his kind rigour as he worked with a range of chamber ensembles – including voice, piano, strings duos and trios, as well as quintets – across a wealth of varied repertoire by Shostakovich, Beethoven, Nadia Boulanger, George Enescu, Rachmaninov, Santoro, and Pauline Viardot.
Commenting on his visit, James Baillieu said: “I really enjoyed my time at Trinity Laban, especially the open and supportive atmosphere amongst all the students. I’d be very happy to come back!”
Professor of Collaborative Piano and Chamber Music Andrew Matthews-Owen said: “It was wonderful to welcome renowned pianist and alum James Baillieu back to Trinity Laban to celebrate the start of our chamber music season for the academic year. I was very proud to witness our students playing to such a high standard, being so receptive to suggestions and ideas, and supporting one another throughout the day. They are true collaborators!”