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
Callum McLachlan (piano)

Programme
Beethoven - Sonata No. 4 in E-flat major, Op. 7 (Grand Sonata)
Schumann - Carnaval

Callum McLachlan, finalist of the 18th Schumann Competition Zwickau and semi-finalist at both the Leeds and Santander International Piano Competitions, has been described as “a born Schumann player” with “a magical sense of colour and extraordinary technical prowess.” His performances at the Leeds were broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and Medici.tv, viewed by thousands worldwide. The Leeds described him as “continuing to captivate audiences with his profound musicality and virtuosic performances.” Following his success there, he was the only British pianist selected for the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Gramophone magazine praised him for “the warmth and body of his gorgeous sonority,” with his first-round described as “luminescent, clear, virtuosic, and balanced.” He currently studies with Professor Kirill Gerstein at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin.