Ashley Wass (piano)

“magnificent” and “electrifying”
in Vaughan Williams piano concerto at the BBC Proms 2008

“...Wass is truly outstanding.”
The Pianist

“This gifted young pianist possesses a rock-solid technique and striking keyboard finesse...”
Gramophone

Described by Gramophone Magazine as a “thoroughbred who possesses the enviable gift to turn almost anything he plays into pure gold”. Ashley Wass is firmly established as one of the leading performers of his generation. Only the second British pianist in 20 years to reach the finals of the Leeds Piano Competition (2000), he is also the only British pianist to have won First prize at the London International Piano Competition (1997).

He made his debut recording in 1999 with a solo recital disc of works by Cesar Franck for Naxos. Diapason commented: “The quality and height of inspiration of his playing makes this disc a revelation.”

Wass has given recitals at most of the UK’s major venues including Wigmore Hall, Symphony Hall, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall and has appeared at the festivals of Cheltenham, Brighton and the City of London. His concerto performances have included Beethoven and Brahms with the Philharmonia, Mendelssohn and
Beethoven with the Orchestre National de Lille and Mozart with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra at the Vienna Konzerthaus. He has worked with Sir Simon Rattle and the CBSO, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Viva and the London Mozart Players.