Ben Socrates is a classically trained pianist whose interests have taken him from the concert hall to the field of dance accompaniment, with forays into contemporary improvisation, jazz and electronics.
Studying music at The University of Chichester and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Ben won numerous prizes for solo and concerto performance, song accompaniment and contemporary composition, and went on to perform recitals throughout the UK, in Spain, Portugal and in France. Later Ben would perform as a classical artist on cruise ships around the world, taking him to Europe, Asia, Africa, America and the Pacific Islands.
Ben has been based in London for the last decade, pursuing his interests in improvisation and collaborative music making, working as a recitalist, accompanist and collaborative pianist, with emerging and established composers, theatre, ballet and contemporary dance schools, choral and opera societies, installation artists, musicians and ensembles, and educational projects. He spent 2020, the year of lockdown, broadcasting performances and interactive music sessions online, as well as recording three albums of piano music for dance class. Currently Ben accompanies various ballet company classes, workshops and vocational dance schools.
Since beginning his music training in Chichester in 2007, Ben has kept a strong connection with the city - this is his fifth appearance at Chichester Cathedral, and his second as a piano soloist. He is grateful to the cathedral and its audience for their continued support.
Programme
Chopin - Ballade No. 3 in A flat, Op. 47
Schubert - Impromptu No. 2 in E flat, D899
Scarlatti - Sonata in E Major, K380
Ravel - OiseauxTristes from Miroirs
Liszt - Consolation No. 3, S172
Prokofiev - Sonata No. 9 in C, Op. 103 I. Allegretto
Chichester Cathedral's Lunchtime Concert series is self-supporting, and thrives through the generosity of its audiences. While there is no charge for admission, we suggest a minimum donation of £3 per person, with Gift Aid applied if possible.
In line with our hopes to keep everyone safe and well, we will be maintaining socially distanced seating until further notice. As such, with the subsequent reduced capacity, we ask that audiences book their places in advance through Ticketsource. We will have a list of names that have booked on the door: you do not need to bring the tickets with you.
Stream Online