Phillip Dyson

International concert pianist Phillip Dyson has been described as simply "brilliant", with a "wonderfully dry, very British sense of humour" and a recent recital in New York City accredited him as nothing less than "magnificent". An international pianist and great entertainer, performing to ‘sell-out’ audiences around the world. Phillip Dyson is recognised as one of Britain’s most sought after and innovative concert pianists, gaining enormous popularity for his unique abilities in both the classical and light music repertoire. His rapport with audiences, brilliant technique and innate sensitivity constantly win him the highest of praise. Phillip often broadcasts on the BBC and Classic FM, performs regularly with the most prestigious orchestras and has a great international reputation in Europe and America.

"Delicate precision and flawless sensitivity. Fluid patterns of pulse and poetry flowed through Dyson’s fingertips … magnificent finger work. An exhilarating feast of classical and ragtime." - Pacifica Tribune, San Francisco

Current Highlights for Phillip include his 'Totally Chopin’ London Concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square and a whole year of Chopin Bicentenary Concerts throughout the UK, culminating in recording a new Chopin CD. A return to Tanzania to give several recitals at the Official Residence of the British High Commissioner in Dar-es-Salaam. Concert Tours in Spain, including a recital in Seville broadcast on LIVE Television, Ireland and Scotland. Concerts and Tours in the USA, a week of Concerts in New York City including the Bruno Walter Auditorium at the Lincoln Centre and a return to the West Coast Ragtime Festival in California for their 25th Anniversary. His latest CD entitled ‘Totally Chopin’ will be released in the Summer.

Born in Lancashire he began musical studies at an early stage and by the age of twelve had given a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, which was to launch a busy and most successful performing career. He studied at the Royal College of Music with distinguished pianists Colin Horsley and John Lill, and also with Dr William Lloyd Webber. At the early age of 27 he was appointed Professor of Piano at the London College of Music.

Of the many countries Phillip Dyson performs in, America is certainly one of the most frequently visited. He is often invited to the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival and was the first British Pianist to appear at the West Coast Ragtime Festival. He frequently performs in New York and tours California each year, particularly in San Francisco, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles. In addition, he has toured in Canada as soloist with the Palm Court Orchestra of Vancouver.

"Featuring the refined pianism of Phillip Dyson. Few pianists have both the technique and the inclination to tackle the music of Billy Mayerl. Fortunately, Dyson has the requisite qualities in spades, together with a wonderfully dry sense of humour, which extended to his playing." - The Times, Vancouver Island, Canada 

Another most popular touring country for Phillip is Spain. Performances in many of the country’s major cities have included: Madrid, Salamanca, Burgos, Valladolid, Toledo, Alcalá, Villaviciosa, Ávila, Palencia, Segovia and Seville.

"Phillip Dyson’s brilliance, excellent musicality and beautiful tone colours were served by a pure and efficient technique. A performance of great merit!" El Adelantado de Segovia

Phillip Dyson is also very much associated with the light music of Billy Mayerl and is recognized as a leading authority on his music. His ASV/Sanctuary disc the Nimble Fingered Gentleman prompted the Gramophone to comment: 

"Phillip Dyson has an obvious penchant for Mayerl’s charmers and plays them with love and sincerity... a delicious tribute, superbly recorded!"

Due to its tremendous success, worldwide, he followed this up with The Entertainer, piano music by Scott Joplin. This reached No. 3 on Classic FM CD Choice and is still today, on the Classic FM Playlist. Classic CD reviewed it, saying: 

"A highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyable recital played with affection and conviction. Phillip Dyson mixes the well known with the less familiar in performances of sparkle and wit."

Source: http://www.phillipdyson.com/index.php/Biography.html -April 2011