Piano Lessons comes to Civic Theatre Newcastle 6-7 October

Award-winning concert pianist Anna Goldsworthy’s deeply felt best-selling memoir, Piano Lessons, is brought to life as the stage adaptation comes to the Civic Theatre Newcastle for two shows, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 October.

Goldsworthy's book is a memoir of her musical education from the age of nine, under the passionate tutelage of her Russian teacher Eleanora Sivan. Piano Lessons is at once brutally honest, self-deprecating and funny and gives an exquisite insight into what it takes to be a musician and performer. The award-winning memoir struck a deep chord with critics, readers and music lovers on its 2009 release.

Re-imagined as a theatrical story with the talents of director Michael Futcher and with Anna Goldsworthy playing herself, Piano Lessons is an intimate masterpiece that combines the written word with the musical dimension of her book. The play, like the book, elegantly illustrates the intriguing relationship between the young pianist and her Russian teacher, played by Helen Howard. This charismatic enigma inspires and challenges her young charge in equal measure as they work through a program of sublime piano pieces, including selections from Mozart, Liszt and Chopin.

Part theatrical production and part concert, Piano Lessons will provide insight into the lives and inspirations of the great masters to expose the process of learning, interpreting and creating music. Piano Lessons will take the audience inside a musician’s journey through a unique real-life performance – a theatrical insight into what it takes to be a virtuoso; physically, psychologically and emotionally.

An award-winning pianist, Goldsworthy travels and performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Don’t miss the chance to see her in this intimate setting and to experience a rare glimpse into what it takes to become a concert pianist.

The Piano Lessons tour is produced by Metro Arts.

PIANO LESSONS by Anna Goldsworthy
VENUE: Civic Theatre Newcastle
DATES: Friday 6 October 7.30pm and Saturday 7 October 2pm
DURATION: 140 mins, including interval

Writer: Anna Goldsworthy
Director: Michael Futcher
Producer: Metro Arts
Featuring: Anna Goldsworthy, Helen Howard