Summer Festival 2024: Let's Play The Piano

Introduction to the Piano with Let's Play The Piano Leeds

Sunday 30th June (Four one-hour sessions - 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm)

All welcome to join Ben Richards, Bob Rose and members of Let's Play The Piano Leeds as they introduce the wonderful world of the piano! It's an ideal event for people of all ages, whether curious about taking up the piano or just wanting to find out more about this incredible instrument! There'll be mix of performance, presentation and optional participation. We'll include a wide range of example piano repertoire from beginner to advanced level with some fascinating history of the instrument and it's music. We'll be putting the two fantastic Steinway Model D Concert Grand Pianos in the Clothworker's hall to good use and also show you the impressive mechanics of the instrument. Attendance is free with complimentary refreshments included. 

Ben Richards founded Let's Play The Piano in 2015 which is now made up of nine groups across the UK. Ben has been a pianist for over 40 years and is passionate about bringing people together through music. Ben also works as an operations manager for CityMusic Promotions with concert pianist Warren Mailley-Smith and is involved in scheduling of over 250 chamber music and solo piano recitals each year. Originally from Cambridge, Ben moved to Edinburgh in 2004 with his IT career before switching full-time into  event management four years ago. The regular Let's Play The Piano events appeal to all ages, musical tastes and levels of experience, providing a great opportunity to build musical confidence and make new friends. People attend to perform or just to enjoy the music and connect with others through a shared enjoyment of music. Let's Play The Piano currently use 12 UK venues including the exceptional Clothworkers Centenary Hall at The University of Leeds.  There have been around 750 events across the network since 2015 including joint monthly Zoom sessions since 2020. Ben has invested in new grand pianos in two locations with a third to follow this year. Other group activities include hosting charity concerts and social events. When not organising events, Ben is a keen cyclist and likes to enjoy his home city of Edinburgh with friends.

From a young age, Bob Rose immersed himself in the world of music, dedicating his time to playing the piano, singing in choirs, performing in orchestras and chamber groups as a violist, and exploring his passion for composition. After completing his music degree, Bob's career took a different path, leading him to spend many years as a successful music and humanitarian photographer. During this time, he continued to nurture his love for music by playing rock guitar in various bands.
Recent years have seen a resurgence in Bob's passion for the piano, thanks in large part to his involvement with Ben's Meetup groups. This reconnection with the instrument has reignited his enthusiasm for playing and has also inspired him to share his knowledge and experience with others through teaching. Today, Bob is a dedicated pianist and educator, committed to helping students of all ages and backgrounds discover the joy of making music at the keyboard.