Steven Osborne (piano) at RNCM

Johnny James, Managing Editor
Ben Ealovega Field

Steven Osborne (piano) at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester 26 October 2022 Tickets from £9.00 — Book now

This Autumn, the RNCM welcomes back internationally acclaimed pianist and alumnus Steven Osborne for a concert of glittering piano music by Beethoven, Schubert, Rachmaninov and Osborne himself.

One of the most sought-after pianists in Britain, Osborne is known for his insightful interpretations and superb musicality. His numerous accolades include The Royal Philharmonic Society Instrumentalist of the Year, two Gramophone Awards and, most recently, an OBE in the 2022 Queen’s New Year’s Honours for services to music and contribution to UK cultural life.

Described by The Observer as “always a player in absolute service to the composer”, Osborne is richly praised for his interpretations of Beethoven, whose tender and elegant Bagatelle No 4 in A major opens this RNCM concert. It’s followed by Schubert’s lyrical, occasionally tempestuous Piano Sonata No 20 in A major, the composer’s penultimate major composition for solo piano, considered among the most important of his mature masterpieces.

Steven Osborne by Ben Ealovega

 

Then it’s onto an Improvisation on a theme by Keith Jarrett, an innovative American jazz and classical pianist and composer who Osborne says has influenced his own playing greatly. All before the grand finale – a rare performance of Rachmaninov’s Piano Sonata No 1 in D minor. The first of three ‘Dresden pieces’, it offers up a struggle between good and evil, and was originally written in response to the Faust legend.

The sonata poses myriad interpretive challenges, hence its elusiveness in the concert hall. But Osborne’s recent recording of the work sees him meet such challenges with apparent ease, as attested by Gramophone:

“Osborne works wonders as he renders the monstrously dense textures of the sonata pellucid and lends its meandering melodies direction, meanwhile giving the finale its full measure of infernal madness. Resisting every temptation to overplay, Osborne shapes confusion into dramatic purpose, lovingly enveloping the whole in imaginative insight. One is left wondering where, in the first quarter of the 21st century, one might turn for more idiomatic, more intelligent or more beautiful Rachmaninov-playing.”

Sure to be a highlight of the RNCM Autumn Season, don’t miss the opportunity to hear such a standout pianist do justice to such a standout programme.

Steven Osborne (piano) at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester 26 October 2022 Tickets from £9.00 Book now

Where to go near Steven Osborne (piano) at RNCM

Manchester
Restaurant
San Carlo Fumo

San Carlo Fumo may be part of a chain, but it doesn’t feel like it. Right at the top of Oxford Road, it’s lavishly decorated and specialises in cicchetti, or Italian small plates.

Utility Gift Shop
Manchester
Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

exterior of Contact Theatre building
Manchester
Theatre
Contact Theatre

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

Manchester
University
MMU Student Union

Manchester Metropolitan University Students’ Union building houses a bar and various other facilities for students and staff.

Manchester
Music venue
The Deaf Institute

The Deaf Institute is a vibrant gig venue and nightclub for which it is well worth taking a jaunt out of the Northern Quarter.

What's on: Music

Until
ActivityManchester
DJ Gym at Hatch

Learn some DJ and production skills with DJ Gym Manchester, based in the culturally infused surrounds of Hatch.

from £269
Until
MusicManchester
Open Deck at Band on the Wall

Bring your records for a spin at our Open Deck session this Saturday! If you’ve bought some new vinyl from a local record shop this week, just show your receipt at the bar to get yourself a free 9” pizza!

MusicManchester
EXTC at Band on the Wall

Terry Chambers, the original drummer from XTC, brings the revered band’s classic songs to Band on the Wall this July.

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Affecting contemporary performances and fresh, relevant takes on enduring classics, we pick out shows that help us scrutinise the world we live in.

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.