Jazz Meets Classical Piano by Candlelight

Step into the candlelit splendour of St Mary le Strand, for an unforgettable evening of piano music performed by the acclaimed pianist Simon Watterton.

This captivating recital brings together a vibrant and eclectic selection of works, ranging from the timeless brilliance of Bach to the jazz-infused rhythms of Gershwin and Joplin, alongside the distinctive modern voices of Milhaud, Kapustin, and Gulda. With its dazzling variety of styles, the programme offers a showcase of expressive depth, rhythmic energy, and pianistic virtuosity.

Highlights include Gershwin’s evocative Prelude No. 2 in C-sharp minor and his much-loved The Man I Love, 'S Wonderful, and I Got Rhythm. The programme also features selections from Gulda’s playful Play Piano Play, Joplin’s spirited Euphonic Sounds, and two contrasting Bach Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tempered Klavier. The evening culminates in Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, a thrilling fusion of classical sophistication and jazz-inspired energy.

Whether you're a seasoned concertgoer or simply seeking a magical evening out, this performance promises a unique journey through sound and emotion, all within one of London’s most atmospheric settings.

Featuring
Simon Watterton (piano)

Programme
Gershwin – Prelude No. 2 in C-sharp minor
Milhaud – Romance from Trois Rag-Caprices
Bach – Prelude and Fugue in C minor from Book I of The Well-Tempered Klavier
Kapustin – Preludes (Selection)
Gershwin – The Man I Love, 'S Wonderful and I Got Rhythm
Gulda – Play Piano Play (Selection)
Joplin – Euphonic Sounds
Bach – Prelude and Fugue in B-flat minor from Book II of The Well-Tempered Klavier
Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue

Wirral born pianist Simon Watterton has given recitals as soloist and chamber musician all across the world. In recent years he has performed in China, Canada, the USA, Sweden and Italy as well as extensively in the UK and Republic of Ireland. He made his concerto debut at London’s Cadogan Hall and was featured as a Rising Star in International Piano Magazine at the time of a cycle he gave of all the Beethoven piano sonatas in London. He has appeared at the Wigmore Hall, St John’s, Smith Square and the Purcell Room, as well as performing live on Radio 3’s InTune and for Classic FM. As chamber musician he has made two visits on a collaborative piano internship to the Banff Centre, Canada, and has worked with a number of artists including his wife, Irish violinist Anna Cashell, ‘cellist Raphael Wallfisch and violinist Daniel Rohn. In addition to this his piano trio have also performed extensively in the UK to critical acclaim.