“If there is a pianist alive who knows Liszt’s piano music more thoroughly, intimately and directly than Leslie Howard I would like to meet him – or her – but I doubt that there is anyone on the planet who does,” wrote Guy Rickards for Musical Opinion, reviewing Leslie Howard’s 2021 piano recital at Wigmore Hall.
London-based pianist Leslie Howard is the first and only person in the world to have recorded the complete solo piano works of legendary Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt, who is regarded as one of the greatest pianists and most popular piano composers of all time. This mammoth project, which took Howard decades to complete, now comprises a 100-CD set and includes more than 300 premiere recordings.
Leslie Howard | Image source: Afisha London
Howard has received enormous praise and numerous awards for his Liszt recordings, including the Guinness World Record for the Largest Recording Series by a Solo Artist, six Grands Prix du Disque and the Medal of St Stephen, presented to him by the President of Hungary. He has also held the title of President of the British Liszt Society since 1987.
In addition to his impressive recording career, Howard maintains a busy international concert schedule, which has seen him perform regularly around the world for more than 50 years.
Though he has spent most of his life residing and working in London, Howard was born and raised in Melbourne. He has returned to Australia a number of times to perform in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane but until now, has never performed in Perth.
Next month, we are delighted to be hosting Leslie Howard’s debut Perth concert, proudly presented by Perth Recital Series. This spectacular recital will feature an all-Liszt program, which includes works that have never before been performed in Perth.
This is a must-attend concert for not only fans of Liszt but anyone with an interest in piano music.
Don’t miss Leslie Howard in Recital: Music of Franz Liszt on Wednesday 30 August, 7:30pm. Find tickets and more information.
