A Q&A with Sir Stephen Hough
Tue 6 Aug 2024We spoke to the world-renowned classical pianist about his love of music, cheese toasties, and making his Marlowe debut…
Is it true that you began to play the piano when you were five years old? Why did you choose it as an instrument, and what’s it been like becoming one of the most distinctive artists of a generation?
We had no classical music, instruments or records in my house when I was a young boy. I fell in love with the piano because one of my aunts had one in her house. And I’ve never looked back!
After having played with so many esteemed orchestras at the most prestigious concert halls and festivals across the world, what is the performance you remember as being your favourite and why?
It’s impossible to answer this as every time I walk onto the stage feels like special occasion, and every audience is precious. Maybe my visit to Canterbury will become my favourite…
Are you looking forward to playing Grieg’s piano concerto? Why is it an important piece of music and what does it mean to you?
It’s one of the first I got to know on record when I was young, and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s full of the most wonderful tunes – very exciting in places and deeply lyrical in other places. It’s no accident that it became one of the most famous pieces of classical music. It seems to me as fresh as ever.
Is there a part of the music audiences should listen out for in particular? How do you interpret this moment?
Every moment has something to listen for from the first drumroll into the first big chord, to all the tunes, one after another, to the thrilling last movement with its dance rhythms.
We’ve read that The Economist named you one of 20 living polymaths, being a composer, painter, and writer. Could you tell us about some your other interests and talents and how they may influence your playing?
I think everything we do influences our lives. From a delicious, sizzling cheese toastie to the greatest literature and painting. But at the root of everything is a poetic sense, words which go beyond words to create meaning and connection.
What are you most looking forward to when performing in Canterbury?
I’ve never played in this most famous city so it will be wonderful to join you in September.
Don’t miss Stephen as he performs with our resident orchestra, the Philharmonia, at the Marlowe Theatre on Saturday 28 September. Tickets are available.