PIERS ADAMS
Piers Adams is widely regarded as one of the world’s great recorder virtuosi. His
playing has been described as ‘legendary – it has to be heard to be believed’ (Musical
Opinion), ‘staggering’ (Gramophone), ‘beyond virtuosity into the realms of
improbability’ (Classic CD).
As a concerto soloist Piers Adams performs with orchestras including the BBC
Symphony and Concert Orchestras, the Philharmonia, the English Sinfonia, the City of
London Sinfonia, London Musici, Guildhall Strings, the Academy of Ancient Music and
the Singapore Sinfonietta. In 1997 he formed the baroque supergroup Red Priest which
has delighted audiences in many countries with its thrilling, no-holds-barred approach to
baroque music, described in Gramophone as ‘sheer daring… dynamic, theatrical and
outrageously different.’
He has given recitals in many of the great concert halls of the world, with recent and
forthcoming tours to most European countries, the Far East, Canada, the USA and Russia.
On home territory he has given several concerts in London’s Wigmore Hall and is
regularly broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
Piers Adams’ CD recordings reflect his eclectic taste, from his award-winning debut of
Vivaldi Concertos (Cala) to David Bedford’s heroic Recorder Concerto (NMC) – one of
many major works written for him. Other CD releases include Recorder Bravura
(romantic showpieces), Shine and Shade (20th century sonatas) and six CDs with Red
Priest.
His work with modern composers has led him and the recorder into many fascinating new
realms including the securing of a National Lottery grant to perform and record Chris
Gander’s Dances with Gods, a 75-minute multimedia fusion involving ancient Indian
musical forms, dance and mythology combined with modern electroacoustics.
Meanwhile he continues his ongoing researches, publications and recordings of the
recorder’s 19th century (czakan) repertoire.
In addition to his concert work, Piers Adams presents regular large-scale gala events with
schoolchildren – his Recorder Roadshow has featured in the Guinness Book of Records
and on national BBC Television News.
T: +44 (0) 1923 836220 E: info@upbeatclassical.co.uk W: www.upbeatclassical.co.uk