Toad Lane Concerts: Ellada Angelina Pavlou piano

Ellada Angelina Pavlou piano

This rising star pianist has become a popular performer at St Mary in the Baum, by standing in at short notice and in duo recitals. On Wednesday 6 July she appeared in her own right with a stunning display of piano technique.

Ellada Angelina Pavlou was born in Xanthi, Greece, starting lessons at the age of five. She completed her master’s degree and postgraduate diploma at the RNCM having graduated initially from Trinity Laban Conservatoire.

Ellada has won prizes in several international piano competitions, including 1st prize and a scholarship at the Kozani International Music Festival. She regularly performs as a soloist and in chamber music and is currently a member of the Northern Film Orchestra.

Ellada chose a fiendishly demanding programme and carried it off with aplomb, and with remarkable feats of memory. She opened with a stunning performance of Chaconne by Sofia Gubaidulina, who, at 91, is an internationally renowned composer not often played in this country. The work is demanding for player and audience alike but rewards those who make the journey.

Margaritki (Daisies) by Rachmaninov provided a brief lyrical relaxation from the relentless momentum of 20th century Russian modernism.

Three Movements from Petrushka for solo piano was composed in 1921 by Stravinsky for his friend, pianist Arthur Rubinstein. Stravinsky said that rather than a transcription of the orchestral score this was essentially pianistic using musical material from the ballet, and to display technique. He admitted he could not play them himself, ‘for want of adequate left-hand technique.’ He would have approved of Ellada’s performance.

Sonata no 7 by Prokofiev was another challenging piece and demonstrated Ellada’s phenomenal stamina. Here was pianism of the highest order.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available now, but the venue is Covid-19 compliant. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson