Non-Executive director reaches semi-finals of prestigious piano competition

A member of the Trust’s Board has reached the semi finals of the 2012 Amateur Piano Competition sponsored by Yamaha and Pianist Magazine. Non-executive director, David Dean is just one of 17 amateurs to have been short-listed from an international field. 

The respected competition includes semi-finalists from the USA, Canada, Germany, Spain and France and was set up in 2005. Entrants are expected to demonstrate exceptional skills in either classical or modern music.

Finalists will perform on stage in front of a live audience and will be judged by a panel made up of musical experts including established concert pianists. The winner will receive a prestigious round of concert engagements. 

David recently played at the Trust's Diamond Jubilee celebrations at St Thomas’. He says: “Having been playing piano since I was 5 years old it’s thrilling and also nerve-racking to have been selected for this high profile event. It’s also very satisfying to know that all those hours of practice are now starting to achieve something.”

The semi-finals will take place at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester on Tuesday 21 August, with the final taking place the following day at The Royal Northern College of Music, also in Manchester.

If you would like to see David perform closer to home, he will be giving a lunch time recital on Friday 20 July at 1.15pm at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street.