Image courtesy of Joanna MacGregor
George Frideric Handel: Passacaglia in G minor. 1720.
Meredith Monk: Railroad Song, from film Ellis Island. 1981.
William Byrd: Hughe Ashton’s Ground. 1570.
Philip Glass. Glassworks. 1981.
I. Opening
Henry Purcell: Ground in C minor. 17th century.
Arvo Pärt: Für Alina. 1976.
Fazil Say: Black Earth. 1997.
William Byrd: First Pavane. 1591.
Johann Pachelbel: Ciacona in F minor. 17th century.
Philip Glass: Etude no.6. 1994.
About the Program
Don’t miss one of the world’s most innovative pianists as she takes centre stage.
Joanna MacGregor is a celebrated performer, composer, conductor, and educator whose versatility has captivated audiences in over 80 countries. Returning after a celebrated performance in Art of Piano in the 2024 Festival, MacGregor is back to showcase her ability to pivot from classical masterpieces to the world of jazz and beyond.
MacGregor has released over 40 solo recordings, ranging from Chopin and Piazzolla to Bach and John Cage. Her collaborative and compositional projects encompass jazz, film, visual art, contemporary dance, and electronica, including music for 47 silent Sherlock Holmes films with the BFI.
She’s also an accomplished educator. As Dame Myra Hess Chair of Piano at the Royal Academy of Music and Professor of University of London, she’s head of an international piano department of young pianists from all over the world, many of whom have gone on to great success in the Van Cliburn, Leeds, and Sydney international piano competitions. We’re lucky to have her on faculty for Art of Piano, a program that pushes the instrument to new heights in skill, expression, and composition.
“MacGregor’s verve, energy, and astounding technique are always at the service of the music and never vice-versa. Her ability to inhabit so many sound worlds with the same intensity and commitment is profoundly impressive… An essential listen.” — BBC Classical Review
Art of Piano is generously supported by lead donor Heather Edwards.
Additional support provided by Helen Graham and the Yolanda Freeze Master Artists Music fund.
Biographies
Joanna MacGregor, CBE
Joanna MacGregor CBE is one of the world’s most innovative musicians, appearing as a concert pianist, curator and conductor. Head of Piano at the Royal Academy of Music and Professor of University of London, Joanna MacGregor was the Artistic Director of Dartington International Summer School & Festival 2014-2019, Artistic Director of the Bath International Music Festival 2006-2012, and curated the multi-arts Deloitte Ignite Festival at the Royal Opera House, as well as Aventures+, an orchestral series for Luxembourg Philharmonie. She runs an annual Summer Piano Festival at the Royal Academy, involving over a hundred young musicians playing core repertoire as well as collaborating with composers, actors, visual artists, writers and filmmakers. Joanna has just been appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Brighton Philharmonic, as it approaches its centenary.
Faculty, Art of Piano
Staff Credits
Program Staff
Michael Falk
Director of Music
Micah Yui
Program Director
Ivy Pan
Program Manager
Angela Schenstead
Program Delivery Specialist
Production Staff
Andrew Smith
Production Manager
Marissa Gell
Assistant Production Manager
Roxanne Miller
Stage Manager
Sam Hindle
Assistant Head of Sound
Georgia Jeffery
Lighting Technician
Juan Anez
Omni Technician
Henry Ng
Audio and Music Technician
Albert Picknell
Head Piano Technician
