Strand International Piano Series 2025/6 -Rachmaninoff Preludes

Step into the stunning candlelit setting of St Mary le Strand — “the Jewel of the Strand” — for the return of The Strand International Piano Series, now it's in fourth year after a critically acclaimed launch season in 2022–23. This intimate and architecturally impressive Baroque church has quickly become one of London’s most captivating concert venues, offering sublime acoustics along with the power and clarity of a brand-new Steinway concert grand piano.

This year’s series celebrates one of the most evocative and emotionally charged achievements in the piano repertoire: Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 24 Preludes. Spanning every major and minor key, these works offer a sweeping portrait of the composer’s inner world—from thunderous drama and virtuosic brilliance to haunting lyricism and introspective beauty. Written across different periods of his life, the preludes reflect the full range of Rachmaninoff’s genius, and each concert in the series reveals a new facet of his profound musical voice.

Whether you’re a seasoned concert-goer or discovering classical piano music for the first time, this is an evening not to be missed—set in one of London’s most atmospheric musical spaces, just steps away from some of the city’s finest restaurants and bars.

Featuring

• Warren Mailley-Smith (piano)

Programme

• Beethoven - Sonata in C Op 2 No.3
• Rachmaninoff - Prelude in D major Op 23
• Schubert - Wanderer Fantasy in C

Warren Mailley-Smith has developed a large following across the UK, with audiences warming to his outstanding pianism, effortless technique and charismatic charm. He made waves in the music world in 2015 through his extraordinary achievement of performing the complete solo works of Chopin from memory. His career has taken him all over the world, with solo performances in Australia, Europe and most recently solo tours in China and the USA. He has given acclaimed solo recitals at The Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall and has performed for the British Royal Family on numerous occasions. One of the busiest concert pianists of his generation and gave over 100 solo performances in 2022. He has 30 piano concertos in his repertoire, having made his concerto debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.