South African pianist and composer Qden Blaauw presents a free lunchtime recital bringing together classical music, jazz and his own original compositions.
Born in Cape Town, Qden Blaauw began playing the piano at the age of nine. Although he grew up in a non-musical family, he quickly developed a passion for classical music, first through composition and later as a performer.
His programme at St James’s Piccadilly reflects his wide-ranging musical interests. It includes music by South African composer Surendran Reddy, Mozart and Duke Ellington alongside three of Qden’s own compositions.
Programme
- Surendran Reddy – Tocatta for John Roos
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Piano Sonata No. 13 in B-flat major, K.333
- Allegro
- Andante cantabile
- Allegretto grazioso
- Qden Blaauw – Opening
- Qden Blaauw – Portrait of Keys
- Qden Blaauw – Citrusdal
- Duke Ellington – In a Sentimental Mood
Qden’s early musical development was guided by South African pianist and teacher Shane Goodall. He went on to receive numerous first prizes and special awards at competitions including the SAMRO National Competition, Atterbury National Piano Competition, Western Cape Piano Festival and Johan Vos and Hennie Joubert Piano Competitions.
At the age of 12, he was selected as one of only ten young pianists from around the world to attend the Allianz Junior Music Camp in Warsaw, where he received a masterclass from internationally celebrated pianist Lang Lang.
He has appeared as a concerto soloist with many of South Africa’s leading orchestras, including the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Free State Philharmonic Orchestra and Junior Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.
His performances have featured works by Mozart, Gershwin, Beethoven and Chopin at venues including Cape Town City Hall, Artscape and Endler Hall.
Qden is currently completing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studies with pianist Rustem Hayroudinoff.
His achievements in the UK include receiving a Royal Over-Seas League Overseas Award and being selected as a Making Music artist through the Philip and Dorothy Green Young Artists scheme.
Alongside his classical performances, Qden has returned to composing and collaborating with contemporary artists. He was commissioned by Berlin-based artist Robin Rhode to create original music for an exhibition exploring the city of Johannesburg.
He is also committed to introducing music to new audiences, particularly young people, and has supported concerts and outreach projects benefiting disadvantaged music schools.
The concert is presented in association with Talent Unlimited.
The performance will also be streamed live on the St James’s Piccadilly YouTube channel from 1.10pm.
Admission is free, and no advance booking is required. Donations supporting the church’s creative programme are welcome.
For enquiries, contact dco@sjp.org.uk.
More Westminster Listings MORE
MBK Peloton
MBK Peloton brings together members of My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), a global network of over 1,100 Black men,…
Junior Academy Showcase curated by Mariatu Kanneh-Mason
Talented young musicians from the Royal Academy of Music’s Junior Academy present a special Black History Month programme…
Saturday Live: Adisa “The Verbalizer”
Internationally acclaimed poet Adisa “The Verbalizer” brings poetry, music, humour and audience participation together in a joyful Black…
Saturday Live: Adisa “The Verbalizer”
Internationally acclaimed poet Adisa “The Verbalizer” brings poetry, music, humour and audience participation together in a joyful Black…
OzLit Festival: Black Convicts – The Lives Australia Erased.
Historian and filmmaker Santilla Chingaipe joins award-winning journalist Nadine White to discuss the Black lives erased from Australia’s…
Exploring Black History Through Family History: Who Do You Think You Are?
Exploring Black History Through Family History: Who Do You Think You Are? offers an opportunity to discover how…
Qden Blaauw (piano)
South African pianist and composer Qden Blaauw presents a free lunchtime recital bringing together classical music, jazz and…
Poetry Performance: Zena Edwards
Acclaimed poet and interdisciplinary artist Zena Edwards presents a special poetry performance at the National Portrait Gallery inspired…