The Complete Chopin Cycle, Concert 7: The Four Ballades

St John’s Smith Square is a unique concert venue: the only Baroque concert hall in the UK, historical, superb acoustic, beautiful interior and the convenience of its own bar and restaurant in the crypt offering concert goers maximum convenience for the perfect evening out.

The virtuoso British pianist, Warren Mailley-Smith, presents the seventh of eleven concerts in his remarkable complete Chopin cycle in which he will perform all Chopin’s 200+ piano solo works, from memory. Glowing reviews so far: " .. triumphantly confirmed Mailley-Smith’s Chopin credentials .. formidable technique .. breathtaking command of dynamic gradations .. wholly exceptional .. This quite memorable recital was justly rewarded with a spontaneous standing ovation .. brilliant account of the youthful G sharp minor .. atmospheric performance of the Opus 72/1 Nocturne, marked by a beautifully played remote accompaniment and effortless drifts of decoration .. .. subtle, atmospheric performance of the Opus 72/1 Nocturne .. elegant tone and emotional refinement ..' - Classical Source. '.. assured technique .. In Warren's hands each (Etude)was a minor miracle, sensitively rendered and deftly delivered .. overall result was exceptionally engaging and intense.' - The Cross-Eyed Pianist. '.. intensely poetic: under his sensitive touch the music grew and ramified persuasively .. the Mazurkas themselves emerged pristine: he caught the sweet artlessness and abrupt mood-changes to a T..' The Independent.

This outstanding pianist is a favourite with London audiences and venues alike. Warren has played for the British Royal Family on many occasions and has given acclaimed solo recitals at Carnegie and Wigmore Halls as well as performing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Any one of Chopin's four Ballades easily stand alone as conceptions of pianistic perfection, each one suggesting a compelling narrative and eliciting a sweep of emotions. In tonight's programme we hear all four of these towering edifices, alongside some lesser known works including the Spanish-influenced Bolero and a selection of miniatures.

So come and indulge yourself with a spectacular evening of uplifting music at St John's Smith Square, performed by this exceptional pianist.

PROGRAMME:
18:30 pre-concert event to be confirmed.
19:30 concert:
Bolero in C, Op. 19
Mazurka No. 31 in A-Flat, Op. 50, No. 2
Mazurka No. 32 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 50, No. 3
Mazurka No. 33 in B, Op. 56, No. 1
Mazurka No. 34 in C, Op. 56, No. 2
Mazurka No. 35 in C Minor, Op. 56, No. 3
Rondeau in C, Op. 73
Ballade no.1 in G minor Op. 23 (1835)
Ballade No.2 in F Op. 38 (1839)
Largo in E-Flat, Op. posth.
Ballade No.3 in Ab Op. 47 (1841)
Ballade No.4 in F minor Op. 52 (1842-43)