The Pianist Podcast
Season 1
Mark Viner
Indrek Laul
Isata Kanneh-Mason
Nicholas McCarthy
Murray McLachlan
Alessio Bax
Ulrich Gerhartz
Jessica Duchen
Danny Driver
by Pianist
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.
In this podcast, Jessica Duchen talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about her new biography, Myra Hess: National Treasure. She enjoys talking about all the legendary pianists she’s interviewed over the years (and yes, there are some great stories) and why she decided that – having studied the piano seriously as a student – the career of a professional pianist wasn’t for her.
In this podcast, Danny Driver talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his current Variation Series at London’s Wigmore Hall. He also discusses what it was like to have lessons with Maria Curcio, why he’s passionate about Ligeti, and how he’d have loved to play for Rachmaninov.
In this podcast, Paul Wee talks to Pianist editor Erica Worth about his unique double career – that of barrister and pianist. He also talks about why he’s turned to the late sonatas of Beethoven for his latest album, the challenges of having small hands, and the reasons why he’s not yet ready to tackle Schumann.