One of Britain’s best-loved comedians and impressionists, Alistair McGowan, will host an intimate afternoon of music and conversation with acclaimed young pianist, Ellis Arey, at Besbrode Pianos in Leeds.
The event will take place on Sunday 21st June at 2pm and brings together two remarkable people from different generations for a candid, fascinating and witty discussion about talent, resilience, opportunity and the transformative power of music.
Best known for his BAFTA-winning television series The Big Impression and a 35-year career spanning stand-up comedy, theatre, musical theatre and writing, Alistair has also become an acclaimed pianist – his debut classical album reaching number one in the UK Classical Charts.
During the event, Alistair will interview Ellis (pictured below) – one of the UK’s most exciting young classical musicians – whose remarkable journey from growing up in poverty in Meanwood in Leeds featured in a film made for Sky Arts, Working Classical Heroes. Ellis went on to star on Channel 4’s The Piano, hosted by Claudia Winkleman.
Interspersed with three live piano performances, the conversation will explore the realities of growing up without privilege, overcoming barriers and finding confidence through music.
The audience will include members of Music House – the Leeds charity that supports people of all ages and backgrounds to discover their creative potential through singing, music-making and performance.
Unlike a traditional concert or formal interview, the afternoon will offer an inspiring conversation about the opportunities that music can create, particularly for young people from working-class communities.
Alistair McGowan said: “Music has the power to enhance and even to change lives. It can bring people into a whole new calm and inspirational world of sound that many may have previously believed was ‘not for them’.
“Ellis performed with great feeling for me at my Ludlow Piano Festival this May. His story is inspiring – not just because of his phenomenal talent. But because of the determination, and courage he has shown to learn and share his chosen musical world, with an audience who are perhaps not even aware of the existence of such beautiful – he would say ‘banging’ – sounds. I’m very pleased to be interviewing him as part of what promises to be a very special afternoon.”
Ellis Arey said: “Music House represents exactly what music should be about – giving people opportunities, confidence and a sense of belonging. I’m looking forward to performing and sharing my story with an audience that understands how important those opportunities can be.”
Music House has become one of Leeds leading community music organisations, working with people of all ages and abilities to use music as a tool for wellbeing, creativity and social connection.
The event is expected to attract an audience of more than 100 people, including many from communities that share experiences similar to those Ellis encountered growing up.
Through music, storytelling and conversation, the afternoon aims to demonstrate that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not always arrive equally – and that organisations such as Music House can play a vital role in helping people realise their potential.
The event is being sponsored by Besbrode Pianos in partnership with Ludlow Piano Festival.
Melvin Besbrode, owner of Besbrode Pianos, said: “Here at Besbrode Pianos we support young and up and coming pianists, and we have supported Ellis from the start of his career. Music House is a charity close to my heart as an active member of the choir. I see the tremendous impact they have on people’s confidence and well-being. We are thrilled to host this showcase and we hope it inspires others into a creative life.”
For tickets. Sunday 21st June 2pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/working-classical-hero-a-medley-of-music-and-conversation-tickets-1990464205019
For media enquiries contact clair@causeuk.com 0753 194 8014
Photo credit for Alistair McGowan Steve Best
Photo credit for Ellis Arey Sophie Pitcher
About Alistair McGowan
Alistair McGowan is an award-winning comedian, impressionist, actor, scriptwriter, poet and, latterly, a pianist. He rose to national prominence through the BAFTA-winning BBC1 series The Big Impression. In recent years, he has developed a successful career as a pianist, releasing a chart-topping classical recording and touring his acclaimed live piano shows across the UK. (Wikipedia)
About Ludlow Piano Festival
The Ludlow Piano Festival is the brainchild of Alistair McGowan : a vibrant, multi-day celebration of piano music held annually in the historic market town of Ludlow, Shropshire. The festival typically blends traditional classical recitals from world-class soloists with ‘words and music’ events, themed recitals of French, American or South American composers, music from films, music from West End musicals, music and comedy, “Open Piano” sessions (which uniquely give talented local pianists the chance to play a concert Steinway in front of an audience) and the famous Celebrity Concert.
About Ellis Arey
Ellis Arey is a Leeds-born pianist whose journey from a childhood marked by food poverty to becoming a professional classical musician has inspired audiences across the UK. He is widely recognised as one of the country’s most promising young classical performers.
About Besbrode Pianos
Besbrode Pianos is one of the UK’s largest independent piano specialists and retailers, based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Founded in 1979, they are known for offering a vast selection of grand, upright, antique, and Steinway pianos.
About Music House
Music House Leeds is an inclusive community music hub and registered charity operating out of a Victorian building at St Mark’s House (1 St Mark’s Avenue, Leeds, LS2 9BN). It offers affordable 1:1 and small group music lessons, space hire for local groups, and a variety of community outreach programs.