IT’S been a busy first three months of 2019 for pianist Viv McLean – and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love it. I feel really lucky to spend my life travelling around playing the piano for audiences,” he says.
A regular visitor to the region, he will be back at The Witham for the first time in three years for a solo recital on Wednesday, March 13.
His programme includes Bach, Beethoven’s Moonlight sonata, Chopin and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.
The inclusion of Gershwin is appropriate as his most recent CD release was as pianist playing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on a celebration of the composer’s finest work under the baton on Simon Lee.
Gershwin will also feature on his next recording project American Dreams, which is due for release in the near future.
In addition to his solo work and playing alongside some of the great orchestras, he is also regularly to be seen as part of ensembles and quartets.
At the end of February he performed for the Carlisle Music Society as part of a quartet including David Le Page on violin, cellist Clare O’Connell and Jack McNeill on clarinet before three concerts with the Adderbury Ensemble.
After his recital in Barney, he heads to North Shields for another solo show before rejoining the Adderbury Ensemble and stopping off in Kings Lynn for a performance with the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra.
“I try to keep as busy as possible,” he says.
“I love both solo recitals and playing with ensembles and others. My life seems to be about 50-50. I don’t think I could choose one over the other.
“I always have a lovely time coming up to the North East doing recitals. It’s a great pleasure. Everyone is there to have a good time and ready to join in with the banter.”
Tickets for his recital at The Witham are £8 for adults and £6 for students and those aged 16 and under.
For more details contact The Witham box office on 01833 631107.
