NICHOLAS DURCAN

Few pianists can have enjoyed such a colourful and cosmopolitan musical career as NICHOLAS DURCAN. It is his ability to move freely from classical music to jazz that distinguishes him from other pianists. In addition to the standard classical recital programme NICHOLAS DURCAN offers programmes based on original and varied themes. He brings to the concert platform not only the classics but also his own stylish arrangements of film themes, song transcriptions by Liszt, Gershwin and Art Tatum, and syncopated novelty piano pieces from the 20's and 30's.

NICHOLAS DURCAN studied with Hamish Milne at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won many prizes including the highest performing award - the Recital Diploma. From 1980 - 1982 he was assistant organist at Westminster Cathedral and in 1983 made his concerto debut at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. He has since played concertos at the Royal Festival Hall and St John's, Smith Square, broadcast on Classic FM, Radio 2, 3 and 4, and appeared on several BBC TV programmes. He has performed thoughout Europe, the Middle East, Hong Kong and given recitals aboard the QE2.

In conjunction with his performing career, NICHOLAS DURCAN composes and arranges music, and as pianist for The Fairer Sax, his unique arrangements have been heard on radio, TV and in shows throughout the country. He has composed the music for several TV features including the BBC series 'A Painters World' and the Channel 4 film 'The Daughters of De Beauvoir'.

Recent recitals include the Purcell Room, Leiskton House, Rochester, Sevenoaks, Peak District and Redbridge Music Clubs, The Beaminster Festival, the Cheltenham Pump Rooms and the Schlossturm Pfaffikon in Switzerland. His CD recording on the Aeterna label was described as 'a highly accomplished recording'.

'If last years recital by Nicholas Durcan is anything to go by, his recital on Friday evening is not to be missed!'

- Leicester Mercury

'...a light and entertaining programe played with both assurance and sensitivity was warmly received.'

- Yorkshire Herald

Nicholas Durcan's playing of the Chopin Variations demonstrated his total control of the instrument...'

- Höfner Volksblatt