Heartlands | Rupert Egerton-Smith - piano
A thrilling journey through the piano’s vast expressive landscape. The programme opens with Bach’s monumental Chaconne in Busoni’s powerful transcription, before moving to Beethoven’s radiant “Waldstein” Sonata—one of the pinnacles of the Classical sonata repertoire. From there, the music travels across continents and styles: the fiery rhythms of Ginastera’s Danzas Argentinas, the sensual lyricism of Granados, and the sweeping passion of Rachmaninov’s celebrated Preludes. The evening culminates in Ravel’s dazzling La Valse, a glittering, intoxicating vision of the waltz on the edge of collapse. In Rupert Egerton-Smith’s hands, this richly varied programme promises virtuosity, colour, and drama in abundance.
PROGRAMME
Heartlands
JS Bach (arr. Ferruccio Busoni)
Chaconne
Ludwig van Beethoven
Sonata No. 21 in C major “Waldstein”
Alberto Ginastera
Danzas Argentinas
Enrique Granados
Oriental Dance
Sergei Rachmaninov
Prelude in g sharp minor Op. 23 No. 12
Prelude in g minor Op. 23 No. 5
Prelude in G flat major Op. 23 No.10
Maurice Ravel
La Valse
Rupert Egerton Smith | piano
Described as a “pianist and musician of the highest calibre” and commended for the “electrifying energy” of his piano performance (New York Concert Review), Rupert Egerton-Smith is increasingly in demand as a soloist after leaving the corporate world in 2020 to focus on his passion.
He has performed in many prestigious venues including Paris’ Salle Gaveau, the Berlin Philharmonie, London Cagodan’s Hall and recently Carnegie Hall in New York where he received a standing ovation for his performance of Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Appointed Artist-in-Residence at the Orchestra of St John’s by John Lubbock OBE in 2022, he has performed Rachmaninov 2, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Grieg, Schumann and Beethoven Concertos 4 and 5. A review of his performance of Tchaikowsky Piano Concerto No.1 with Sinfonia Smith Square commended his “flair and passion combined with the most subtle touch”. The UK Daily Telegraph described his debut recording of Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit as “technically stunning”. In February 2024 he was guest soloist for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Band of The Grenadier Guards and Band and Bugles of the Rifles for HRH The Queen in Salisbury Cathedral. Passionate about innovative and themed programming in his solo work, he creates a unique musical experience for audiences through narrated performance, describing and contextualising pieces as well as performing them. Rupert was appointed a Steinway Artist in 2025.
His album Water & Fire (including Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite) will be released in June on Quartz/Naxos, as well as Otherland, a solo album of cinematic compositions. Plans for 2026 include solo recitals and concertos by Poulenc, Beethoven, Mozart and Grieg.
Rupert Egerton-Smith
Location
St Cuthbert Church Earl's Court, SW5 9EB