Renowned pianist gives William Ellis School pupils a musical masterclass

An internationally-renowned classical pianist treated aspiring young musicians to a masterclass and recital last week.

Leeds International Piano Competition finalist Jayson Gillham held two workshops with youngsters and advanced solo pianists from three local schools.

He then performed a special recital for pupils, parents and teachers at William Ellis School in Highgate Road, near Parliament Hill Fields, on Thursday.

Student performers from La Sainte Union, Parliament Hill and William Ellis schools applied what they learned in the masterclasses by performing pieces for Mr Gillham at the evening concert.

The show culminated with Mr Gillham playing a classical repertoire of Scarlatti, Chopin and Debussy on the school’s Steinway grand piano.

Head of music Guy Forbat said: “Students benefited from seeing a world class musician up close, as there’s no substitute for a live concert.”