User:Duncan Thompson UK/sandbox

Dr Michael Ward - Musician

http://www.drmichaelward-concertpianist.co.uk/#

http://www.drmichaelward-conductor.co.uk/#

With over thirty years of professional music experience as a recitalist and concerto soloist, Michael Ward is a pianist of outstanding gifts. In possession of a prodigious virtuoso technique, deep musical insight and thorough understanding of all the music he performs, Michael is in total command of his art and he uses all his considerable musical and pianistic skills to communicate the music he plays in a sincere and genuine manner to every member of his audience.

Michael gave his first public piano recital aged 9 and after a period of study with the celebrated pianist Danielle Salamon he won the International Fritz Gottlieb Memorial Scholarship for excellence in piano performance which resulted in two years study in London with Vera Yelverton. During this time he was offered recitals and concerto performances throughout the UK and consequently Michael was invited to study the piano works of Franz Liszt privately with the famous Hungarian concert pianist Louis Kentner.

Throughout his career, in addition to his concert activities as a soloist, Michael's skills as a piano accompanist and chamber musician have been much sought after by countless instrumentalists,  singers and chamber ensembles in music from Baroque to the present day. As a consequence, in all three roles Michael has amassed a vast repertoire and he has given concerts throughout the world in many of the most prestigious venues as well as making numerous commercial recordings and playing for both Radio and Television broadcasts in the UK and abroad.

'I have performed many recitals across the UK with Michael. An innate sense of phrasing, articulation and presentation distinguishes all his performances and lends all his concerts a real sense of occasion. It is a rare privilege to meet such a distinguished and unpretentious musician. I have always admired Michael’s commitment to music and he continues to inspire those with whom he comes into contact.’ David Pyatt, Internationally renowned French Horn Virtuoso