Josef Holbrooke: Late Piano Music
Lyrita, SRCD395
A cleverly-curated piano recital, full of discoveries
VAN Magazin, Wendelin Bitzan
Wonderful performances … the playing here is top notch
MusicWeb International, Rob Challinor
Simon Callaghan to give solo piano recital at Conway Hall
Pianist Simon Callaghan looks forward to a solo piano recital at Conway Hall on Sunday 28th March. His programme will feature canonic works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Robert Schumann, alongside lesser-known gems by Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn and Jean-Louis…
Simon Callaghan excels
The Arts Desk, Graham Rickson
The ever-skilled and insightful Simon Callaghan
MusicWeb International, Nick Barnard
Absolutely exquisite … a lovely performance
Gramophone Magazine, Tim Ashley
Entente Musicale
SOMM Recordings SOMMCD0625
Expert performers … mastery of phrasing and pacing
British Music Society, Geoffrey Atkinson
A very sympathetic interpreter
Arcana, Ben Hogwood
A desirable purchase
Gramophone, Richard Whitehouse
Expressive warmth and a colourful sense of action and drama
MusicWeb International, Dominy Clements
Simon Callaghan, a devoted specialist
BBC Music Magazine, Geoff Brown
Entrancing … excellent pianism
The Independent, Michael Church
Spontaneous and inventive, infused with drama, humour and tenderness
Art Muse London, Frances Wilson
Poulenc: The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant
Nimbus, NI 1571
Simon Callaghan on ‘In Tune’: TONIGHT at 5.05pm
Simon Callaghan will appear this evening on BBC Radio 3's 'In Tune' programme. He will feature alongside Miriam Margolyes, chatting to Katie Derham about their new recording of Poulenc's ‘The Story of Babar’ for piano and narrator. The disc is…
TODAY: Simon Callaghan on The David Taylor Podcast
Simon Callaghan looks forward to appearing on The David Taylor Podcast this evening at 7:00pm. Simon will be chatting to David Taylor about lockdown life, promoting recordings during COVID-19, and collaborating with Miriam Margolyes on his latest disc (due to be…
Callaghan pitches his performances here to perfection
MusicWeb International, Nick Barnard
Why a complete survey of Dyson’s piano works is long overdue
Read Simon's article for Gramophone Magazine here. ‘While Dyson is clearly at home writing light-hearted, easy-to-approach music, he certainly does not shy away from more complex musical language’
New Poulenc disc with Miriam Margolyes
Poulenc completed his composition for piano and narrator in 1945, after first experimenting with piano improvisations around the stories to amuse his cousin's granddaughter in 1940
George Dyson survey now available to pre-order
Discount available now for pre-orders from SOMM On 16 October, @simondcallaghan releases the first complete survey of #GeorgeDyson's music for solo piano, and for two-pianos with @CliodnaShanahan! Save 20% when you pre-order from SOMM! Or pre-order now on @amazon @arkivmusic…
Saint-Saëns arrangements now out on general release
This recording by the Parnassius Piano Duo - Simon Callaghan and Hiroaki Takenouchi - is now out on general release on the Nimbus Records label.
Saint-Saëns: Chopin & Liszt Sonatas – arrangements for 2 pianos
Nimbus Records, NI 5997
The Open Window
Somm Recordings, SOMMCD 0622-2
Both performers are at their best in the striking slow movement
Gramophone, Jeremy Dibble
Arresting sensitivity
The Strad, Julian Haylock (June Recommended Recording)
Beautifully performed
The Sunday Times
British Violin Sonatas
SOMMCD 0610
Evening Recital 2021
Simon Callghan (piano)
| Christoph Willibald Gluck, arr. Sgambati - Melody from Orpheus |
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Sonata in E flat major, op. 31, no. 3, The Hunt |
| Frédéric Chopin - Impromptu no. 1 in A flat major, op. 29 |
| Frédéric Chopin - Polonaise-Fantasie, op. 61 |
| Interval |
| Robert Schumann, arr. Liszt - Widmung (from Myrthen, op. 25) |
| Franz Liszt, arr. Saint-Saëns - Piano Sonata in B minor, S. 178 |
All the energy and ebullience is tangible
MusicWeb International, Stephen Greenbank
I can’t imagine greater advocates than the Wallfisch-Callaghan team
MusicWeb International, Jonathan Woolf
Coke Cello Sonatas
Lyrita, SRCD384
Robert Hugill talks to Simon Callaghan about composer Roger Sacheverell Coke
Robert Hugill chats to pianist Simon Callaghan about his forthcoming disc and his academic research into the neglected composer Roger Sacheverell Coke.
Biography and Quotes
Please click here to download the Word document, containing quotes and biography for early publicity full length biography for concert programmes
Schumann & Poulenc
Nimbus NI1568
The deeper the blue…
SOMMCD 275
Multi-talented pianist Simon Callaghan
Rafael's Music Notes, Rafael de Acha
Simon Callaghan at the Highgate International Chamber Music Festival
Simon Callaghan will be part of a stellar line-up at next month's Highgate International Chamber Music Festival. Across four concerts, Simon will perform in various trios, a quintet, a sextet and a nonet, in a broad range of music by Beethoven,…
Nicodé, Beethoven, Poulenc and Schumann
Simon Callaghan (piano)
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Sonata in E flat major, op. 31, no. 3, The Hunt |
| Francis Poulenc - Les Soirées de Nazelles |
| Interval |
| Jean Louis Nicodé - No. 1 from 6 Phantasiestücke op. 6 |
| Jean Louis Nicodé - Reue (Repentance) from Ein Liebesleben, op. 22 |
| Jean Louis Nicodé - Erinnerung (Remembrance) from Ein Liebesleben, op. 22 |
| Robert Schumann - Carnaval op. 9 |
Superb artistry
Gramophone, Patrick Rucker
Enterprising disc from pianist Simon Callaghan on Hyperion
Planet Hugill, Robert Hugill
Simon Callaghan returns to perform with Pro Arte Orchestra of Hong Kong
Simon Callaghan has been invited to return to Hong Kong next month for a performance of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto no. 2 with Pro Arte Orchestra.
Current Concerti
Simon Callaghan (piano)
Please also see Simon Callaghan's full repertoire list here.
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Concerto no. 4 in G major, op. 58 |
| Frédéric François Chopin - Piano Concerto no. 1 in E minor, op. 11 |
| Sergei Prokofiev - Piano Concerto no. 3 in C major, op. 26 |
| Sergey Rachmaninov - Concerto no. 2 in C minor, op. 18 |
| Sergey Rachmaninov - Concerto no. 3 in D minor, op. 30 |
| Sergey Rachmaninov - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini op. 43 |
Repertoire
Please find Simon's complete concerto repertoire below. His chamber music repertoire can be found on this page on Simon's own website. You can also see Simon's current artistic proposals, including concerti he is playing in the near future, by clicking…
Sextets with Simon Callaghan
Galliard Ensemble and Simon Callaghan (piano)
| Richard Strauss, arr. Thomas Graf - Die Fledermaus Overture |
| Ludwig Thuille - Sextet for piano and winds in B flat major, op. 6 |
| Interval |
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Quintet for Piano and Wind in E flat major, op. 16 |
| Francis Poulenc - Sextet for Wind Quintet and Piano in C major |
Deep-rooted conviction
MusicWeb International, Rob Barnett
A classy album of deep musicality and sensitivity
Classical Source, Ateş Orga
Arrangements by Saint-Saëns of Chopin and Liszt
Parnassius (Hiroaki Takenouchi and Simon Callaghan) recently visited Wyastone Estate to record arrangements by Saint-Saëns of sonatas by Chopin and Liszt. The resulting CD, to be released on Lyrita in 2020, will comprise: Chopin Sonata no. 2 in B flat…
Nicodé: Ein Liebesleben & other piano works
Hyperion CDA68269
Delius or Barber with Mozart and Schubert
Parnassius Piano Duo - Simon Callaghan and Hiroaki Takenouchi
| Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Sonata in F major, K. 497 |
| Samuel Barber - Souvenirs, op. 28 OR Frederick Delius, arr. Peter Warlock - On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring followed by Dance Rhapsody no.1 |
| Interval |
| Franz Schubert - Sonata in C major, D. 812, Grand Duo |
Composers’ Own Arrangements
Parnassius Piano Duo - Simon Callaghan and Hiroaki Takenouchi
| Edward Elgar, arr. Elgar - Serenade in E minor, op. 20 |
| Felix Mendelssohn, arr. Mendelssohn - Octet in E flat major, op. 20 |
| Interval |
| Sergey Rachmaninov, arr. Rachmaninov - The Rock, op. 7 |
| Nikolai Kapustin, arr. Kapustin - Sinfonietta op. 49 |
A Collection of Characters from Poulenc and Schumann
Simon Callaghan describes his latest recording (which will come out on the Nimbus label later this year) as "a collection of characters - a procession, if you like - by two composers who I think go really well together: Poulenc and Schumann."
Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninov
Duo Verzaro - Karel Bredenhorst (cello) and Simon Callaghan (piano)
| Johann Sebastian Bach - Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord no. 2 in D, BWV 1028 |
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata no. 2 in G minor, op. 5, no. 2 |
| Interval |
| Frédéric François Chopin, arr. Feuermann - Polonaise Brillante in C major, op. 3 |
| Sergey Rachmaninov - Sonata in G minor, op. 19 |
Beethoven, Myaskowsky, Bridge
Duo Verzaro - Karel Bredenhorst (cello) and Simon Callaghan (piano)
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata no. 1 in F major, op. 5, no. 1 |
| Nikolai Myaskovsky - Sonata no. 1 in D major, op. 12 |
| Interval |
| Frank Bridge - Sonata for cello and piano, H125 |
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata in C major, op. 102, no.1 |
Beethoven, Fauré, Debussy
Duo Verzaro - Karel Bredenhorst (cello) and Simon Callaghan (piano)
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata no. 5 in D major op. 102, no.2 |
| Gabriel Fauré, arr. Casals - Après un rêve |
| Gabriel Fauré - Sérénade, op. 98 |
| Gabriel Fauré - Romance, op. 69 |
| Gabriel Fauré - Papillon, op. 77 |
| Interval |
| Claude Debussy - Sonata for cello and piano |
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata no. 3 in A major, op. 69 |
Two Piano Music by Sherwood and Parry
Lyrita, SRCD368
Schubert, Schumann and Beethoven
Simon Callaghan (piano)
| Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Sonata in C minor, op. 13, Pathétique |
| Franz Schubert - Fantasy in C major, D. 760, Wanderer |
| Interval |
| Robert Schumann - Arabeske, op. 18 OR Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood), op. 15 |
| Robert Schumann - Carnaval, op. 9 |
Poulenc, Schubert, Beethoven and Schumann
Simon Callaghan (piano)
| Franz Schubert - Fantasy in C major, D. 760, Wanderer OR Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Sonata in C minor, op. 13, Pathétique |
| Francis Poulenc - Les Soirées de Nazelles |
| Interval |
| Robert Schumann - Arabeske, op. 18 |
| Robert Schumann - Carnaval op. 9 |
Rivetingly dramatic pianism
Planet Hugill, Robert Hugill
Publicity Images
High resolution versions are available for download for all the images below. Please click on an image to download, or use the link in the caption.
Tableaux de Provence: Works for Saxophone
Resonus Classics RES10231
Ease and brilliance
Crescendo (France), Jean-Marie André
Thea Musgrave: Phoenix Rising
Lyrita, SRCD372
The performances on this disc are spirited, well-shaped and refined
Pizzicato, Uwe Krusch Hyperion's series, 'The Romantic Piano Concerto', seems to be an almost inexhaustible resource. Now with two more barely referenced and yet honorable concertos, those of Rheinberger and Scholz, we are already up to the 76th volume. Both works…
Simon Callaghan played with breathtaking nuance in the extremely complex, intricate "Le jardin parfumé" by Kaikhosru Sorabji
Deutschlandfunk Kultur, Elisabeth Richter Discoveries at the Festival in Husum "The Briton Simon Callaghan was waiting, and played with breathtaking nuance in the extremely complex, intricate "Le jardin parfumé" by Kaikhosru Sorabji'. In addition, Callaghan presented the unknown -- even…
Consummate ease and brilliance
Musicweb International, Stephen Greenbank
Rapturous … highly recommended
Fanfare, Dave Saemann
Callaghan makes the case for both with flair and conviction
The Times, Stephen Pettitt
Callaghan's return to Husum to be broadcast live on Deutschlandfunk Kultur radio
Simon's recital on the 24th August at 8pm will be broadcast live on Deutschlandfunk Kultur radio from the festival’s main venue, the stunning Husum Castle.
Sent into the shadows by Simon Callaghan ✶✶✶✶
De Volkskrant, Merlijn Kerkhof
The performances here are excellent, with Simon Callaghan making light work of the works' technical demands
Planet Hugill, Robert Hugill
Concertos by Bernhard Scholz and Josef Rheinberger
Hyperion – The Romantic Piano Concerto – Scholz and Rheinberger - CDA68225
Simon Callaghan’s interpretation was superb
Classical Source, Antony Hodgson
Medtner Piano Concerto No. 3 with Leicester Symphony Orchestra
Simon will be performing the Medtner Piano Concerto No. 3 in E minor, Op. 60 as part of Leicester Symphony Orchestra’s Russian Evening at De Montfort Hall on Saturday 19-May-18. Full details and tickets can be found here. The Leicester Symphony…
Concertos by Medtner and Chopin next for Simon Callaghan
Following his highly successful debut in Hong Kong, where Simon Callaghan performed Rachmaninov's Paganini Rhapsody Op. 43 with the Pro Arte Orchestra and Conductor Ho-man Choi, he now looks forward to working with Leicester Symphony Orchestra and Kingston Chamber Orchestra…
Callaghan to make Hong Kong Debut
This weekend, Simon Callaghan performs Rachmaninov's Paganini Rhapsody Op. 43 with the Pro Arte Orchestra of Hong Kong, as part of their Easter concert.
Callaghan's next CD for Hyperion out in June
Simon Callaghan's next CD for Hyperion will go on general release on 29th June. The recording, of concertos by Bernhard Scholz and Josef Rheinberger with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and conductor Ben Gernon, will be released as Volume 76…
With Harry Cameron-Penny (clarinet) and Katie Derham, shortly after performing on BBC Radio 3 In Tune
Missed the programme? You can hear it here for a further 30 days.
Simon Callaghan
Praised for his ‘velvet-gloved pianism of ravishing sensitivity’ (The Strad), Steinway Artist Simon Callaghan performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. His recent tours have taken him to Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Canada and throughout Europe. He has…
Radio 3 In Tune with Harry Cameron-Penny
A note for the diary - listen to Simon on BBC Radio 3 In Tune on Wednesday 3rd January when he performs with Harry Cameron-Penny.
Callaghan once again shows himself to be one of the leading young British pianists
British Music Society Journal, Paul Jackson
Impressive pianism – BBC Radio 3 Record Review
BBC Radio 3 Record Review, Andrew McGregor
Callaghan's achievement of myriad tonal hues adds greatly to the allure
MusicWeb International, Stephen Greenbank
Passion, total commitment …heartfelt affection
Gramophone Magazine, Jeremy Nicholas
Unquestionably deserves to be explored and celebrated
EPTA Journal, Alexander Thompson
Performances from all concerned are admirable
Planet Hugill
Coke Piano Concertos
Hyperion
A commendable revival of works dug out of the archives by the pianist himself
allmusic.com, James Manheim
Simon Callaghan: Recital and Master Class Stoller Hall, Manchester on Friday 6 October
Steinway Artist, Simon Callaghan, heads north next month to give a lunchtime recital and master class in the stunning acoustics and architecture of the Stoller Hall, Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester – the UK’s award-winning new concert venue – as…
Velvet-gloved pianism of ravishing sensitivity from Simon Callaghan
The Strad, Julian Haylock
Rachmaninov with Nottingham Symphony Orchestra
The complete programme for Saturday 8th July at 7.30pm is:
Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances
Shostakovich Jazz Suite No.2
Warp and Weft
Warp and Weft, EMR CD043
Simon Callaghan Soloist with Bristol Symphony Orchestra
Simon is delighted to join Bristol Symphony orchestra, conducted by William Goodchild, in Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1, op.11, E minor in the peaceful surrounds of St Mary Redcliffe Church on Saturday 22 April at 7.30pm. The concert is in support…
Pianist Simon Callaghan's Spring Concerts in London
Later this month Callaghan performs Tchaikovsky’s colourful and explosive Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor with the London Phoenix Orchestra, in their Spring Concert at St John’s Smith Square on the evening of Thursday 23 March.
Tickets and more about the concert
Simon Callaghan and London Phoenix Orchestra
Steinway Artist Simon Callaghan performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. He has performed at all of the UK’s major concert halls including Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and St David’s Hall Cardiff. A regular performer at St John’s Smith Square, Simon is really looking forward to performing Tchaikovsky’s colourful and explosive Piano Concerto No. 1 with the London Phoenix Orchestra.
Wed 1st March at 7.30pm, St John’s Smith Square, Tickets and more about the concertSimon Callaghan joins Coull Quartet for 'Grand Passions' at Warwick
This March Simon Callaghan joins old friends Roger Coull, Philip Gallaway (violins), Jonathan Barritt (viola) and Nicholas Roberts (cello) of the distinguished Coull Quartet in Brahms’ mighty Piano Quintet in F minor. The concert - on Thurs 2nd March at 7.15pm - is at the University of Warwick, where the ensemble is Quartet-in-Residence. Simon plays the Brahms Quintet three times this season: this collaboration with the Coull Quartet and in two performances with the Carducci Quartet.
A display of exemplary musicianship
Sidmouth Herald, Stephen Huyshe-Shires
Simon Callaghan: Korngold and Bridge at Highgate International Chamber Music Festival on Friday 2 December
St. Anne's Church, 106 Highgate West Hill, London N6 6AP - Further information and tickets here
Another of Callaghan's excellent recital programmes – this time for Sidmouth Music
Schubert Sonata in A major, op. 120, D. 664
Ravel Gaspard de la Nuit: Trois poèmes pour piano d'après Aloysius Bertrand
Coke Selection of Preludes
Chopin Sonata No.2 in B flat minor Op. 35
Martyn Jackson (violin) and Simon Callaghan (piano) highlight female composers
Simon Callaghan is Luton Music: Music on Mondays’ principal guest artist this season. Appearing tonight in the first of three concerts he is joined by the outstanding British violinist Martyn Jackson. Music on Mondays' new season concentrates on presenting work written…
One of the festival highlights
Deutschlandfunk (Deutschlandradio), Elisabeth Richter
English pianist Simon Callaghan presented an evening of captivating sound and fantasy which was rightly celebrated with enthusiastic ‘bravi’
Kkieler Nachrichten, Michael Struck
Simon Callaghan joins BBC Scottish SO and Martyn Brabbins to make world premiere recording
Using the only remaining copies of the manuscripts - kindly lent by the Coke Estate - Simon Callaghan and Edward Taylor have made new performing editions of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Concerti and it is these freshly-edited scores that will be used in the recording to be released in November 2017 as part of Hyperion’s Romantic Piano Series.
Ivor Gurney premiere as part of Ivor Gurney Society Annual Spring Weekend
As part of a weekend of talks and recitals exploring Gurney’s verse and music, Simon Callaghan (piano) and Midori Komachi (violin) have been invited to give an afternoon recital which includes Delius’ Sonata no 3, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending,…
Recital for Rarities of Piano Music Festival, Germany
Following the success of Callaghan's most recent CD ‘The Music of Roger Sacheverell Coke’, he has been invited to perform at the Rarities of Piano Music Festival 2016. This prestigious festival, which takes place in the north of Germany, near…
Simon Callaghan joins Carducci Quartet to perform Schumann's Piano Quintet – London
Sunday 10th January 2016, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Five Stars for Callaghan's Roger Sacheverell Coke CD on the Somm label
Musical Opinion, James Palmer
Schumann Piano Quintet with Carducci Quartet
Simon is looking forward to collaborating with the Carducci String Quartet again. Tickets available on the door
Callaghan with the Yorkshire Young Sinfonia
The York Press, Martin Scheuregger: "Callaghan performed with a light touch and delivered a particularly arresting cadenza."
Simon Callaghan and Yorkshire Young Sinfonia
Simon will be playing the Mozart D Minor Piano Concerto conducted by Tom Hammond on 22nd August.
Simon Callaghan signs with Tashmina Artists
We are thrilled to announce pianist Simon Callaghan as the newest addition to the agency roster
Audio
Rachmaninov Concerto No. 3 (excerpt) live in concert Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor K478 Recorded live at the Whittington Festival, 2016
Played so faithfully here by Simon Callaghan
The Observer, Stephen Pritchard
This release has been an exciting discovery
MusicWeb International, Stephen Greenbank
Commanding and virtuosic musicianship
MusicWeb International, Nick Barnard
Finely played, full of brilliance and virtuosity
The Classical Reviewer, Bruce Reader
Callaghan's spirited and skilful playing is impressive
The Birmingham Post, Norman Stinchcombe
An eloquent advocate
The Sunday Times
A new figure and force
Quarterly Review, Stuart Millson
The Music of Roger Sacheverell Coke
Somm Recordings, CD 0126
You will not be disappointed
Music & Vision, Geoff Pearce
Manner from on high
MusicWeb International, Rob Barnett
Colours of the Heart
MusiKaleido MKCD001 Midori Komachi (violin) and Simon Callaghan (piano) Highly sought after for their performances of the Delius Violin Sonatas, these two award-winning artists, have based this new album around their ‘Delius and Gauguin’ project, which celebrates the colourful inspiration…
An adventurous selection of not-so-well-known sonatas delivered with aplomb
MusicWeb International, Ian Lace
Vivat Brahms! Volume I
SOMM Recordings SOMMCD0126 James Barralet (cello) and Simon Callaghan (piano) World premiere recordings of Brahms’s Hungarian Dances in arrangements by James Barralet for cello and piano Brahms: Sonata in E minor Op.38 Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances (arr. Barralet) Reviews: "What passionate and…
Delius Orchestral Music II
SOMMCD 0129
Delius Orchestral Music I
SOMMCD 0112
English Piano Works
De Rode Pomp RPGMA069073 This CD includes two world première recordings as well as the only recording currently available of Parry’s Shulbrede Tunes. Also, extensive programme notes by prominent English music scholar, Dr Peter Horton William Sterndale Bennett: Sonata in F…