PrettyInScarlett

Since returning to the piano as an adult and through listening to lots of music, I have come to look forward to 'The Leeds' - the world-class Leeds International Piano Competition . The Leeds runs every 3 years, currently running for the 18th time. This year I decided to had along to one of the first round events - nicely coinciding with my birthday! Keyboard seats a must. After lunch with a friend, M and I arrived at the Leeds University Great Hall in time to soak up a bit of atmosphere before the first competitor of the afternoon arrived on stage. Whilst all 5 competitors (in order: Drew Petersen , Rodolfo Leone , Peng Lin, Célia Oneto Bensaid and Gunyoung Hwang) were all very technically competent, it was interesting for the listening experience of hearing successive performers in the same room on the same instrument. Seated position, shoulders, feet, projection - lots of variables! Petersen had a very 'proper' posture and technique, but his pieces lacked what ...

Sarah Hayes Within an increasingly busy schedule (again arriving at a gig with no listening preparation), M and I attended one of this year's Folkworks Durham Gathering events on Saturday, once again a sold out event at the fabulous Old Cinema Launderette . An instant ticket purchase - after thoroughly enjoying Martin Carthy's gig at the Launderette last year, just seeing the event listing for Eliza and Co was enough. Fun guaranteed. Eliza Carthy and Saul Rose played as a duo, preceded by Sarah Hayes . Eliza and Sarah had both been teaching at this years' Folkworks Summer School which has just finished. I found singer, flautist and storyteller Sarah's set quite interesting - overwhelmingly we have seen folk artists at the Launderette, but this was the first keyboard instrument spotted. Sarah has both classical and indie experiences but last night's set was a simple but effective slice of folk. Eliza Carthy and Saul Rose Eliza and Saul followed up...