Classical

Helen remembers playing her first middle C, it felt marvellous. Those alternating thumbs, counting 1, 2, 3, 4, playing firmly, a good touch, the connection of the piano and the sound, the resonance. Her first piano was an old upright with the candle sticks still attached. At first she didn’t have a stool so she stood up and played. She would come home from school, sling her bag down and get to practice. It was a love thing. She moved up through the grades, and eventually went to study classical piano. Arriving to Leeds after growing up in the countryside was somewhat different, but she practiced and she grew.

Since then and among other works, Helen has performed J’eux d’eau by Maurice Ravel, Prokofiev Sonata for cello and piano, Temporal Variations by Benjamin Britten, The Waldstein Sonata by Beethoven, Schubert Fantasie in F Minor Piano Duet and Astor Piazzolla - Primavera Porteña, Verano Porteño, Invierno Porteño and Oblivion for piano, cello and violin. Venues include The Clothworkers Hall in Leeds, The Square Chapel in Halifax and Wakefield Cathedral.

Helen has accompanied members of Opera North and has accompanied exams including grade 8, diploma level and final performance at Leeds University.

Recorded in concert at Square Chapel

Recorded live at Wakefield Cathedral- oboe Louise Curtis, piano Helen Curtis