The Pianist Podcast
Season 1
Katia and Marielle Labèque
Will Bates
Stephen Hough
Mark Viner
Indrek Laul
Isata Kanneh-Mason
Nicholas McCarthy
Murray McLachlan
Alessio Bax
Ulrich Gerhartz
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by Pianist
In this podcast, Katia and Marielle Labèque talk to Pianist editor Erica Worth about their new 3-CD project, 55, out on Deutsche Grammophon in June 2026, which celebrates 55 years of making recordings. They also discuss their upcoming worldwide tour performing pieces from the 55 album and reflect on their long musical partnership – including the challenges of playing as a duo – as well as offering advice to amateur pianists on how to use imagination and be courageous.
In this podcast, composer Will Bates speaks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his score for the film Tuner. He also talks about working with actors Dustin Hoffman and Leo Woodall, how he developed a unique sound using mallet-triggered MIDI devices attached to a ‘lobotomized’ piano, and why it’s important to understand the power of silence in film scoring.
In this podcast, Sir Stephen Hough talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his new release, Piano Postcards, out on the Hyperion label in July 2026. He also talks about a deep passion for the music of Chopin, managing a busy concert schedule, and why it’s so important for all pianists to write their fingerings onto the score.
In this podcast, Mark Viner talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his continued commitment to recording the complete piano music of Charles-Valentin Alkan. He also talks about the pros of being a later starter at the piano, the importance of teaching, and why an appreciation of harmony is essential for all pianists.
In this podcast, Indrek Laul, CEO of Laul Estonia Pianos, discusses the company's history and its recent expansion into the UK market through a partnership with Coach House Pianos. He also talks about his musical background as a pianist who studied at The Juilliard School – and we get to hear all about the launch event on May 7th at Coach House Pianos in London, where Indrek and his team will introduce their pianos to UK audiences.
In this podcast, Isata Kanneh-Mason talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her latest all-Prokofiev recording, which has just been released on the Decca label. She also chats about her passion for bringing classical music to the young people of Antigua, growing up in a family of seven talented siblings, and why she’d love to have played for Chopin.
Born without a right hand, British pianist Nicholas McCarthy talks about his unique musical achievements with Pianist editor Erica Worth. These include his being the first left-hand-only pianist to graduate from London’s Royal College of Music, his recent Proms debut in 2025, the launch of ABRSM’s graded syllabus for one hand, and much more.
As Chetham’s International Piano Summer School turns 25 this summer, founder Murray McLachlan talks to Erica Worth about his ongoing passion for creating a special place for all types of pianists. He also shares his thoughts on how to overcome technical hurdles, why we should all love every single note we play, and why we really need to listen… even to the silences.
In this Pianist Podcast, Italian pianist Alessio Bax talks about his role as Artistic Director at the first London Festival of Chamber Music which takes place at London’s Smith Square Hall. At the end of March. Bax discussed his career journey from his early studies in Bari, Italy, to winning the Leeds Competition at age 22 and beyond. Bax also shares insights about his approach to piano technique, his passion for cooking and how he can never tire of learning and playing the Beethoven sonatas.
With clients including Mitsuko Uchida, Paul Lewis and Sir András Schiff, ‘tuner to the stars’ Ulrich Gerhartz talks to Erica Worth about his role as Director, Concert and Artists Services, Steinway & Sons – a profession he’s been proudly enjoying for exactly 40 years.