Tipping the scales in Simon's favour

Simon Callaghan

The aspiring pianist makes a welcome return to Newcastle next weekend to perform Schumann's Piano Concerto with the North Staffs Symphony Orchestra, writes Liz Rowley

LAST time we spoke Simon Callaghan's career was going from strength to strength.

The 26-year-old, who studied at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester and London's Royal School of Music, was busy making his name as a concert pianist and in December one of his dreams came true.

"To say I've been busy is a bit vague," says Simon, referring to our last interview 12 months ago.

"I'm aspiring to make a name for myself and at the end of last year I got to play with the British Police Orchestra at Birmingham's Symphony Hall. It's certainly the best hall I've ever played in and made me realise that this is what I really want to do."

Despite his success on the big stage, Simon is still keen to keep his connection with North Staffordshire – having lived in Kidsgrove between 1987 and 2001, attending both Maryhill Primary and secondary schools. Next Saturday he returns to Newcastle to perform alongside the North Staffs Symphony Orchestra.

He says: "I've been playing with the orchestra for the past six or seven years and I really enjoy performing with them. They have provided me with some brilliant opportunities to play some challenging concertos, and I think it's important that I maintain the link."

This time last year he was raising the roof with Beethoven's Emperor Concerto when he joined the orchestra for a New Year concert, but on this occasion it's the music of Schumann he's preparing to showcase.

"The orchestra is doing a programme of Schumann to mark his 200th anniversary and they asked me to play his Piano Concerto in A Minor," says Simon, who now lives in London.

"I like this piece because it has everything in it and seems to travel from dark to light.

"The opening is quite dramatic and has a melody, rather like the Grieg Piano Concerto, that everyone will recognise," he adds.

"It then moves through the second, which is light and expressive, until it reaches the third and most challenging movement."

In addition to the concerto, the orchestra will also perform Schumann's Overture Scherzo and Finale and his Symphony No. 2.

He says: "The orchestra pick quite adventurous works and these three are no exception.

"It's a difficult work to grasp, but having said that there's something quite satisfying in seeing it all come together and I think people will really enjoy it."

Simon Callaghan and the North Staffs Symphony Orchestra will be performing at St John Fisher High School, Newcastle, on Saturday, January 30, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available on the door or in advance by calling 01782 634634.