The final concert of 2025, held on the 10th December, at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, saw the return of the very popular and highly respected international prize winning pianist Leon McCawley. The near capacity audience were treated to a complete performance of a future concert scheduled to be delivered in the Wigmore Hall London in early 2026.
The choice of pieces provided a rich canvas of sound on which the performer added a whole range of colour, depth and sparkling contrasts. Known for his delicate, sensitive and expressive playing, he entranced and delighted all ages with his confident and assured interpretations. Commencing with Haydn’s Sonata No 59 and then moving forward 120 years to Scriabin’s Deux Morceaux Op 57 and finally, before the interval, to the emotional sadness of Sergei Prokofiev Sonata No 4.
Following the interval, Beethoven’s innovative and ground breaking 6 variations on an original Theme in F major were performed with amazing skill and panache. The many themes of moving water, in fountains, streams and rivers was dominant in the subsequent three works by Liszt, Faure and Ravel. Leon McCawley magically captured the essence of rippling water, producing some quite remarkable sounds on the Society’s recently re-voiced grand piano. Chopin’s Ballade No 3 was the final scheduled item on the evening programme. However, in response to the length and warmth of the audience’s appreciation, two encores followed, Tchaikovsky’s Valse Sentimentale and Prokofiev ’s Prelude Op12 no 7, often referred to as the Harp.
Concert Society members and guests were absolutely delighted with an evening not only of beautiful music but one which was truly inspirational and memorable made possible and brought alive by the artistic interpretations of this very distinguished internationally renowned pianist. We look forward to welcoming Leon McCawley to Clitheroe for more musical magic and passion in the future.
From left to right, Clitheroe Town Mayoress Joanne Tudda, Leon McCawley and Town Mayor Councillor Michael Graveston.