The Cayman Arts Festival has announced the return of its signature event, the third annual Cayman Piano Festival, taking place from October 3 to 12. This year’s festival will feature two esteemed British classical pianists as headliners.
Artistic Director Glen Inanga expressed excitement in a press release, stating, “We would be thrilled to have either Peter Donohoe or Martin Roscoe return to the Cayman Islands to perform, but to have them both appear in the same festival is quite extraordinary. Both of these pianists are legends in the music world.”
Peter Donohoe, acclaimed as one of the leading pianists of our time, is celebrated for his musicianship, stylistic versatility, and commanding technique. He has performed with numerous prestigious orchestras, including the Dresden Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Cape Town Philharmonic, and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. His performances span the UK, Europe, South America, and beyond, including appearances at renowned festivals such as the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh Festival.
“I’m super excited to go to the Cayman Islands,” Donohoe shared with the Cayman Compass. “It’s my first time there and first time performing in the Caribbean. I look forward to seeing a dear friend while enjoying the island’s natural beauty and flavors.”
Martin Roscoe, whose career spans over five decades, boasts a repertoire of more than 100 concertos. Known for his concerto, recital, and chamber performances, Roscoe has collaborated with many UK orchestras and is active across Europe, Canada, and Australia. He is also the artistic director of the Ribble Valley International Piano Week.
Reflecting on his last visit to the Cayman Islands in October 2019, Roscoe remarked, “It was a very enjoyable visit. The recital I gave was to a full house, and the audience was warmly appreciative.”
Roscoe added, “I’m really looking forward to visiting Cayman next month with my old friend and colleague, the legendary Peter Donohoe.”
The pianists recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first collaboration at the Royal Northern College of Music on September 16.
The festival will kick off with a ‘Rising Stars’ concert on October 3, featuring performances by young student musicians from Cayman. Donohoe will present his own recital on October 5, both events beginning at 6 PM at the George Town Public Library.
An invitation-only screening of the award-winning documentary ‘Pianoforte’ will take place on October 6 at Camana Bay Cinema, showcasing young pianists from the international Chopin Piano Competition.
Donohoe and Roscoe will perform together on October 9 at First Baptist Church, starting at 7 PM.
The festival will conclude with two more concerts at the George Town Public Library, featuring American pianist Shirley Yoo on October 10 and Martin Roscoe performing solo on October 12, both recitals starting at 6 PM.
Organizers expect high demand for tickets, urging music lovers to purchase them early. The main Cayman Arts Festival will return in February next year, featuring popular events like Music at the Library and the SoNoRo Festival.
