Paul Turner

Paul Turner – 2022 Festival Accompanist

The Festival is very grateful to the Official Accompanist for all his hard work in providing such a high standard of musicianship and support for our entrants.

This year we have restructured the fees so that no extra fee is required for the use of the official accompanist. The official accompanist will not be available for piano or guitar classes.

“Just wonderful and so very uplifting. It calmed my busy day. A very special man who speaks with his hands!” (Sheila Harrod, Patron of the Old Town Festival)

Pianist Paul Turner is a widely experienced soloist and chamber music player renowned for his sensitive playing “…superbly partnered by Paul Turner’s sensitive and alert accompaniments…that sixth sense of timing which is the true accompanist’s particular gift” (Eastern Daily Press).

He excels in a wide range of genres as demonstrated in recent events, which include: performances of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Concerto in F; his National Theatre debut with Maria Ewing in a celebration for the life of Sir Peter Hall; the Ralph Vaughan Williams festival with Jack Liebeck and members of the Sacconi Quartet; Kings College Cambridge with Nicholas Daniel during Easter week; Ligeti ‘Hommage a Brahms’ with Martin Owen; recording with Miranda Dale for the Proust Society and a new collaboration with BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist, saxophonist Robert Burton.

“For his part, Turner offered…intricate piano writing rendered with exemplary clarity and poise” (Richard Whitehouse).

“Turner…impressed with a spectacular performance, demonstrating his astonishing abilities as an accompanist” (Surrey Advertiser)

“A wise and sensitive pianist” (Gower Festival).

“Thank you Paul for a truly wonderful concert! Your playing was amazing and beautiful, and it was a joy to be so close to it! I do hope we’ll see you again soon!”(Lucy Hollins, conductor)

You may request the services of the Official Accompanist in an Own Choice class only if you supply the title and composer details on your entry form. Please send a copy of the music you will be using to our Music Librarian: John Carter, 38 Truelocks Way, Wantage OX12 7EF, by May 28th. Ensure your name & class number is on each copy. See also festival rules at the back of this syllabus.

  • To help the accompanist, please write on the metronome mark at which you expect to perform the piece.
  • If you would like a chance to practice with the official accompanist (at a charge) before the festival, this may be possible subject to Covid-19 regulations. The timing slip you will be sent once your entry is accepted has contact details.