In January, Stowe School is launching a new arts venture, with a series of public piano recitals in the Ugland Auditorium of its new Music School.
Arts At Stowe will offer opportunities and activities in art, theatre and music, not just for students at the school but for members of the local community and the wider public.
One of the first Arts At Stowe events is the Cheung Steinway Concert Series on Wednesday nights, which starts on January 8 and will continue every Wednesday except half term until March 19.
Music lovers attending the recitals can enjoy the playing of some of the world’s most celebrated pianists, who will be performing in the 250-seat auditorium in Stowe School’s new Music School.
They will perform on a Model D Steinway grand piano – one of 24 Steinways now owned by Stowe, which has become ‘all Steinway’ school.
The first recital, on January 8, features Philip Fowke, who is known for his many appearances at the BBC Proms, numerous recordings and borad range of repertoire.
He has appeared in many of the major concert halls worldwide with leading conductors including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Sir Simon Rattle and Gennadi Rozhdestvensky. Philip Fowke is currently senior fellow of keyboard at Trinity College of Music.
The programme includes three works by Chopin, followed by a section entitled The Art Of Encore.
This comprises music associated with some of the great pianists of the past.
It will include music by Dohnanyi, Leschetizki, Moszkowski and Rachmaninoff, as well as some lesser-known gems.
Mr Fowke said: “ In the last few years I have become increasingly aware of the wealth of smaller works which enjoyed great popularity in the earlier part of the last century.
“In this part of the programme, I will introduce and perform some of these works and share my personal association with them and the pianists who played them.”
The second concert, on January 15, features the Adderbury Ensemble playing pieces by Mozart and Bruch.
On January 22, the Rebecca Nash Trio will perform compositionsby Rebecca Nash, which are deeply rooted in jazz, but reflect her classical music background.
On January 29, Oksana King performs a programme of piano music inspired by dance, entitled Music And Dance – From Gavotte To Foxtrot. including works by Bach and Beethoven.
On February 5, award-winning pianist Ingrid Jacoby plays Bach-Busoni, Schubert and Mussorgsky.
Concerts start at 7pm and last about an hour.
Entry is £8,including a complimentary glass of wine.
Tickets can be booked at www.stowearts.co.uk
The full Cheung Steinway Concert Series programme can be viewed online at www.stowearts.co.uk