The Strand International Piano Series - The Beethoven Sonatas

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 5th 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.

This year’s series celebrates one of the most profound and enduring achievements in the piano repertoire: Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas. Spanning the full arc of Beethoven’s creative life, these masterpieces offer an extraordinary portrait of the composer’s evolving musical voice—from youthful elegance and Classical clarity to thunderous drama, virtuosic brilliance, profound lyricism, and deeply introspective beauty. These concerts are a tribute to Beethoven at the 200th anniversary of his death.

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
Martin Cousin (piano)    

Programme
Beethoven - Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op. 54
Brahms - Intermezzo Op.118 no. 2 
Brahms - Ballade Op.118 no. 3 
Beethoven - Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101"

About Martin Cousin
Since graduating from the Royal College of Music, Martin Cousin has appeared regularly in the major British venues , making his London solo debut at the Purcell Room in 1998. Numerous solo recitals followed, most notably at the Wigmore Hall in 2001, 2005, and 2011 and he has appeared as concerto soloist with the London Philharmonic, Halle, Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia and BBC Concert Orchestras. Martin enjoys a regular concert schedule in the UK and Europe. Previous tours have included New Zealand, Japan and the US. The 24/25 season featured solo performances at Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Casa Da Música (Porto), Luxembourg Philharmonie and Dortmund Konzerthaus. His 2025 disc for Convivium Records of Fantasias for Piano was met with widespread acclaim, with MusicWeb International remarking ‘Cousin’s immense ability is just a given and that puts the focus squarely on the music and him in our debt.’ Musical Opinion also stated that ‘this disc is thoroughly recommended.’