Malcolm Pearce’s 75th Anniversary Concert

Malcolm Pearce marks his 75th anniversary by conducting some of his favourite repertoire.  Beethoven’s exhilarating Namensfeier overture precedes Haydn’s 103rd symphony, one of the pinnacles of that composer’s creative ingenuity.  After the interval the orchestra is joined by Duncan Honeybourne in Brahms’ 2nd piano concerto, a work in which soloist and orchestra achieve a rapport redolent of chamber music.

Duncan Honeybourne enjoys a diverse profile as a pianist and in music education. Following his concerto debuts at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and the National Concert Hall, Dublin, he made recital debuts in London, Paris, and at international festivals in Belgium and Switzerland. Commended for his “gripping performances” (The Times), “glittering performances” (International Piano) and “great technical facility and unfailing imagination” (Musical Opinion), Duncan has toured extensively as soloist and chamber musician, broadcasting frequently on BBC Radio 3 and radio networks worldwide.

Malcolm Pearce studied at King’s College London and the Royal College of Music, winning the Walford Davies prize for organ performance in his final year.  He was Director of Music at Magdalen College School for 26 years, where he nurtured the talents of many who have subsequently made significant contributions across a broad spectrum of musical activities.    He has been directing choirs and orchestras since his early teens and plays continuo with local orchestras and ensembles.  He has given solo and concerto performances on the organ at home and abroad and his compositions have been published, recorded and broadcast on Radio 3.