There's a real sense of occasion surrounding tomorrow’s concert by Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra.
For the orchestra’s guest soloist is a pianist who not only has strong connections with Kirklees but also with the music of composer Edvard Greig whose work features in the orchestra’s programme at Huddersfield Town Hall.
“My grandfather, Robert Ernest Thwaites was a pupil at Batley Grammar in the 1890s,” said the renowned pianist Penelope Thwaites.
“His chemistry master prepared him for a scholarship to Trinity College, Oxford, and from there, he went to teach at Brisbane Grammar. He settled in Australia, later becoming a headmaster himself in Victoria.
“We never met those grandparents, sadly, as they died fairly young while my parents were here during the war. My grandfather always felt he owed an enormous debt to Batley Grammar."
London-based pianist and composer Penelope has performed and broadcast in over 35 countries on five continents.
Born in Chester of Australian parents, she grew up and took her degree in Music in Melbourne – winning the Ormond Exhibition and being placed first in her final year.
Penelope subsequently studied in London with the Swiss pianist, Albert Ferber, a pupil of Rachmaninov and Margeurite Long. She also studied composition and orchestration with William L Reed.
Since her Wigmore Hall debut in 1974, she has appeared regularly as recitalist in major concert halls, and in a wide repertoire she has built a reputation as an intensely communicative artist.
As concerto soloist she has appeared with the Philharmonia, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia and the BBC Concert Orchestra, and with leading orchestras in Australia, Europe and America.
Penelope is also a leading exponent of the music of Percy Grainger, who was himself a friend of Grieg and a notable interpreter of his music.
Later this month, she will return to Australia for engagements in Melbourne and Canberra.
In the autumn, Penelope will play at what is seen as London’s most innovative concert venue, Kings Place Concert Halls, in a special performance to mark 40 years since her London debut.
She will be joined for that event by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet and a group of up-coming young musicians who will premiere a previously unknown Grainger work in a new arrangement.
In tomorrow’s concert in Huddersfield, she will play Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor.
The programme will also feature the Academic Festival Overture by Brahms and Shostakovich's Symphony No 10 in E minor..
The orchestra will be conducted by Robert Guy.
Robert, who was born in Wrexham, North Wales, is Artistic Director and co-founder of NEWSinfonia, Principal Conductor to the Orchestra of Square Chapel and musical director of Cantorion Rhos Choir.
Next month he will make his debut at St David’s Hall, working with trumpet virtuoso Allen Vizzutti and the Cardiff Sinfonietta, in the gala concert of the Arcomis International Brass Festival.
Tickets for tomorrow’s concert (February 8) on-line at www.huddersfield-phil.org.uk or from Kirklees box offices.
