Strand International Piano Series 2023-4 (Concert 17)

St Mary le Strand (The "Jewel" of the Strand) plays host to the second Strand International Piano Series.  Further to its launch to great acclaim in the 2022-23 season, the new series will feature all 32 of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. London's most intimate concert venue boasts stunning architecture, beautiful acoustics and a brand new Steinway concert grand piano.

Pianist
Martin Cousin

Programme
Beethoven - Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op. 54
Beethoven - Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106 ("Hammerklavier")

Martin Cousin is now regarded as one of the most exceptional pianists of his generation, having been awarded 1st Prize at the 2005 Ettore Pozzoli International Piano Competition (Seregno, Italy) and Gold Medal at the 2003 Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition (London). Martin has appeared regularly in the major British musical venues since graduating from the Royal College of Music, making his London solo debut at the Purcell Room in 1998. Numerous solo recitals followed, notably at the Wigmore Hall on multiple occasions. He has performed as concerto soloist with the London Philharmonic, Halle, Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia and BBC Concert Orchestras. Performances further afield have included tours of New Zealand, the US, Italy and concerts in Stockholm, Brussels, Toronto, Tokyo, Berne and The Hague. Alongside his solo schedule, chamber music has taken him to Prague, Tokyo, Indonesia and Thailand, Zimbabwe and Barbados and he is a member of the Aquinas Piano Trio. Martin's hands are also featured on the big screen in the Oscar-winning film "Shine", for the scenes involving Rachmaninov's 3rd Concerto.