CHRISTINA-MAIRI LAWRIE

Scottish pianist Christina-Mairi Lawrie studied at Chetham's and Cambridge University, and went on to study with Yonty Solomon at the Royal College of Music. She has also studied with Sergei Babayan and Vanessa Latarche. In January 2005 she made her BBC Radio 3 debut on the "In Tune" programme, with a live solo performance of Tippett's 4th Piano Sonata, ahead of her Purcell Room performance of the same work. She made her Wigmore Hall debut in July 2005 to triumphant acclaim with a solo recital sponsored by Park Lane Group. In October of the same year, Christina made her third recital appearance at the Purcell Room, in the "Fresh Young Musicians' Platform" series.

As a 2004 Park Lane Group Young Artist she made her South Bank debut at the Purcell Room. The Observer praised her "formidable intellect and boundless technique...Fantastic playing", and Musical Opinion described her as "a very gifted young player..". As a result of this recital, Christina was asked to step in for the 2005 series. Musical Pointers remarked of her performance "In a few weeks and by special request she had learnt the complete programme already scheduled for an indisposed PLG Young Artist. That included Tippett's rhapsodic and elusive 4th sonata, played from memory with complete assurance and remarkable aplomb; an astonishing feat of professionalism."

Christina has won numerous accolades both nationally and internationally. She was a finalist in the Royal Overseas League Piano Competition and a winner of the Blackheath Hall Young Artists auditions, as well as being a prize winner at the Marsala International Piano Competition. A former Caird Scholar, Christina has also won awards from the Cross Trust, English-Speaking Union, Hope Scott Trust, Leverhulme Trust and Musicians' Benevolent Fund. She continues to receive generous support from the Scottish Arts Council and is a member of the Keyboard Staff at St. Mary's Music School, Edinburgh.