Pianist Gwilymn Simcock joins the Chester Summer Music Festival line-up

May 28 2009 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

One of the UK’s most gifted and imaginative pianists and composers, Gwilym Simcock, will perform during the Chester Summer Music Festival on Sunday, July 12.

The 28-year-old will be at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Kings Suite. The bar opens from 6pm and the concert begins at 7.30pm.

Gwilym, a Chetham’s School graduate, will perform alongside two of his closest associates, bass player Yuri Goloubev and drummer James Maddren, to provide a night of cool jazz.

This young musician has already gathered an impressive array of awards. At just 25, Gwilym was chosen as the first .jazz musician to be part of BBC Radio 3 New Generations Artists Scheme, a position he held for two years, and was voted Jazz Musician of the Year at the 2007 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Gwilym’s dazzling piano playing has thrilled audiences throughout the world and his talents as a composer are increasingly in demand.

He is able to move effortlessly through jazz and classical and can at times inhabit both worlds.

Gwilym was classically trained before becoming obsessed with jazz and it’s obvious when listening to his music.

Tracy Lynn, director of Chester Festivals, said: “Gwilym is the perfect choice for our summer music festival; through his classical connections he fits well within our programme.

“However, his music challenges this genre and his jazz influence is clearly audible – a must-see event within the programme.”

For more information about the Gwilym Simcock Trio Concert and the full Chester Summer Music Festival programme and how to book tickets, visit www.chesterfestivals.co.uk or phone the box office on 08452417868.