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Click for Programme - 9 May
In a beautiful escape from the ‘loneliness’ of the pianist the Derby Piano Quartet was founded in 2001 by Beate Toyka. Four pianists - Gillian Bithel, Peter Gould, Richard Hodges and Beate - have met regularly and explored the strange and wonderful repertoire of music for 8 hands on 2 pianos. Nurturing the sense of fun in playing together they haven’t looked back and are now an established ensemble in Derbyshire and beyond.
The Quartet play many pieces written especially for this combination of musicians but also include arrangements, some their own. They are constantly seeking out new and innovative additions to their repertoire.
Gillian Bithel was taught by her father from the tender age of 4 and throughout her childhood they played duets and two-piano music. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Her work has taken her all over the country, including many concerto performances and recitals. She now lives near Matlock in Derbyshire.
One of Beate Toyka’s first musical memories is building a den under the piano while her father and big sister played the ‘Goldberg Variations’ in Max Rheinberger’s arrangement for 2 pianos! She studied at Cologne Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of Music with Hamish Milne. Besides working with the demands of the solo repertoire she has since tried to foster multi piano playing. She formed a similar group in Cambridge, and in Gaborone, Botswana…!
Peter Gould had his first piano lessons in Portsmouth at the age or 6 with his father, who often played duets with him. He too went to the Royal Academy of Music, first as a pianist but soon changing to the organ as first study. He is now Master of the Music at Derby Cathedral, where he runs several successful choirs- for boys, girls and adults. He takes his choirs on international tours. He is also an examiner for the ABRSM.
Richard Hodges also had his first piano lessons with his father at a very young age. One of his earliest musical memories is repeatedly listening to ‘Sparky’s Magic Piano’ on 78 rpm records! He studied at the Royal College of Music in London, and, like Peter, quickly changed from piano to the organ. He has lectured in music at the University of Derby for the past 17 years, and is now Primary Subject Leader in ‘Performing Arts Technology’.
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