Introducing the performers…

Daniel Lebhardt

Young Hungarian pianist Daniel Lebhardt has impressed audiences and critics alike with his thoughtful interpretations and outstanding virtuosity. Daniel won First Prize at the 2014 Young Concert Artists Auditions in Paris, and then won YCA’s International Auditions in New York, where he was also awarded the Paul A. Fish Memorial Prize and four concert prizes. Among his many other accolades, Daniel won First Prize at the Russian Music International Piano Competition in California, First Prize at the Citta di Gorizia International Piano Competition in Italy, First Prize at the Kosice International Piano Competition in Slovakia, and First Prize at the Carl Filtsch International Piano Competition in Romania. Most recently, he won the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) 2015 Auditions in London.

Daniel mades his recital debuts in the Young Concert Artists Series at the Kennedy Center in February 2016 and in New York in the Rhoda Walker Teagle Concert on March 1. He also appeared in recitals for the Buffalo Chamber Music Society, Hayden’s Ferry Chamber Music Series, the Port Washington Library, the Levine School of Music, and the Paramount Theatre. In the UK, Danielhas appeared in recital at London’s Steinway Hall, the Colston Hall in Bristol, the Pounds Arts Centre in Wiltshire, the North Fylde Music Circle, the Darlington Piano Society, and as soloist with the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed at Germany’s Usedom Music Festival and given recitals at the Bela Bartok Memorial House in Budapest, at the Senate House in London, at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, and at various concert venues in Hungary, Austria and Japan. As a result of winning the Royal Academy of Music’s prestigious Patron’s Award, Daniel gave his Wigmore Hall recital debut in May 2015.

As a very active chamber musician, Daniel performed at the BBC Proms in a Composer Portrait of Olga Neuwirth, which was recorded and broadcast by BBC Radio 3 in 2012). He has also performed with Mark van de Wiel, principal clarinet of the Philharmonia Orchestra, in the Clarinet Sonatas by Brahms.

“Taking a daringly fast tempo, Mr. Lebhardt dispatched the music [Beethoven’s Sonata no 16 in G, op 31, no 1] with scintillating crispness and conveyed its brash humor. But the breathless energy of his account also teased out the sonata’s heedless daring. He revealed the slyness at work in the Adagio, with its almost mock-elegant trills and swirling passagework. The final Rondo was an impish, brilliant delight.“

New York Times

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Benjamin Baker

New Zealand-born Benjamin Baker studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal College of Music where he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Rose Bowl. He was selected by Young Classical Artists Trust in 2013 and in the same year won first prize at the Windsor International Competition.

In recent years Benjamin has won first prize at the 2016 Young Concert Artists auditions in New York and third prize at the Michael Hill Competition in New Zealand, establishing a strong international presence. His engagements have included debut recitals at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Merkin Concert Hall in New York, Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Germany and the Three Palaces Festival in Malta. He has also undertaken tours of the United States, China, Argentina and Chile.

Benjamin has made appearances as a soloist with the Philharmonia, the Royal Philharmonic, Auckland Philharmonia, the English Chamber, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Sinfonia Cymru, Orchestra Sinfonica Abruzzese L’Aquila and the Maui Pops Orchestras. He premiered a new concerto by Matthew Kaner St John’s Smith Square and returned as Fellow to the Steans Music Institute in Ravinia.

Benjamin has given recitals at festivals across Europe, including the Parnu, Steirisches Kammermusik, Gstaad, Klosters, Salisbury, Bath, Cheltenham, Buxton, Northern Chords and East Neuk Festivals. He has appeared as soloist with the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company and toured throughout New Zealand. In 2015, he released his first CD for Champs Hill Records which immediately went to Number 12 in the Classical Charts.

“The fine violinist Benjamin Baker… brought virtuosity, refinement and youthful exuberance to a daunting program.” 

New York Times

“The performances I’ve so far heard with violinist Baker… have had a supernaturally beautiful atmosphere, the fruit of serious readiness combined with cultured musicianship and flawless intonation.”

The Arts Desk

“Baker brings to every track an attractive, sonorous quality of tone and expression, demonstrating an impressive talent and huge promise for the future.”

Classic FM

“A fine account of Vaughan Williams’ Concerto Accademico with Ben Baker, a sleek-sounding young soloist; hugely impressive.”

Daily Telegraph

“Knowing you will do wonderfully well…”

Lord Yehudi Menuhin

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