Pianist

Some pianists just have something special, and Freddy Kempf is one of them. He’s a keyboard wizard – “virtuosity with a vengeance, with no hint of a safety net” was how Gramophone described his playing. But he’s also one of those performers who reaches out and connects with his listeners, and in the decades since his youthful triumph in BBC Young Musician, British audiences have taken him to their hearts.

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Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

Cadogan Hall 

American conductor Dennis Russell Davies is the point of connection in this vibrant concert, which crosses continents and musical genres. The Principal Conductor of the Brno Philharmonic also has deep roots in jazz, having worked with luminaries such as Keith Jarrett and Dave Brubeck. The latter’s 1963 concerto for jazz quartet and orchestra, Brandenburg Gate Revisited, receives its first live UK performance with leading British pianist Freddy Kempf and a Czech jazz trio spinning sepia melodies around a subtly noir orchestral accompaniment. Freddy also takes the lead in Gershwin’s Variations on I Got Rhythm, a sprightly showpiece exploring similar terrain to his famous Rhapsody in Blue.

Brno Philharmonic

Usher Hall

We welcome back this great orchestra for what is sure to be a memorable concert.

Brno Philharmonic Orchestra

The Anvil

Kempf, a former BBC Young Musician of the Year, will be on double duty for two American classics: Gershwin’s electrifying ‘I Got Rhythm’ variations and Dave Brubeck’s Brandenburg Gate, joined by a trio of leading Czech jazz musicians.

The Bridgewater Hall

Between Wednesday 13 – Saturday 23 August, Chetham’s International Piano Summer School brings world class and legendary musicians to a vibrant, supportive community in central Manchester. Alongside lectures, open lessons and opportunities to develop new skills, you can discover a daily programme of recitals from world-class performers.

Pianist

Freddy Kempf

Events

Past events

Nov 12, 2025

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra · Cadogan Hall

Oct 19, 2025

Brno Philharmonic · Usher Hall

Future and recently performed repertoire

Piano in Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky

The Stoller Hall

Piano in 6 Klavierstücke by Brahms

The Stoller Hall

Piano in Piano Concerto No. 2 by Rachmaninov

Cadogan Hall

Piano in Brandenburg Gate by Brubeck

Anvil Arts

About

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