Roger Owens has established himself as one of the most versatile
of pianists. His repertoire is unusually wide and ranges from
Gibbons to Hoddinott, whose music he has premiered on several
occasions. He has appeared regularly at the major musical centres
of the United Kingdom where his playing has been acclaimed for
combining effortless virtuoso technique with a warm tonal palette
and vivid sensitivity.
Recent highlights have been performances of Beethoven’s
Emperor Concerto with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at
the Barbican, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy with the Bach
Choir and the Philharmonia at the Royal Festival Hall, Grieg’s
Piano Concerto at The Anvil, Basingstoke and an appearance at the
Freden International Music Festival in Germany where his playing
was described as ‘music making of overwhelming intensity...an
outstanding combination of passion, musical depth and technical
expertise’ (Andreas Bode, Hildesheimer Allgemeine Zeitung).
Roger studied privately with Peter Gould and then at the Royal
College of Music with John Barstow MBE, where he was presented with
both the Chappell and Tagore Gold Medals. A placement on the
Countess of Munster Recital scheme helped to launch his career. He
went on to win the Royal Over-Seas League Piano Competition along
with the Bryden Thomson recital prize at the Scottish International
Piano Competition.
Roger is a skilled communicator whose engaging personality makes
him a popular visitor to music societies throughout the British
Isles. He has performed as soloist and chamber musician throughout
Europe, most recently in Spain and Germany, and has broadcast for
BBC Radio 3, Classic FM and German radio.
‘I really admire Roger Owens’ piano playing. It is
not only technically masterful, but also beautifully phrased and
poetic’ (Sir Roger Norrington, conductor).
‘Roger Owens has a lovely sound, open and rounded,
and shows excellent touch and control at the softest dynamics’ (Tim
Parry, International Record Review).