Mike Robinson
Course Leader Foundation Scenic Construction
Job Role: Piano Tutor
Department: Piano
Honours: MMus, GRSM (Hons), ARCO, ARCM
Roger Owens has established himself as one of the most versatile of pianists. His wide repertoire encompasses early keyboard music through to contemporary compositions, including premieres of works by Alun Hoddinott and Christian Jost. His career has taken him to many parts of the world, from Pembrokeshire to Japan, along with regular appearances at the major musical centres of the United Kingdom where his playing has been acclaimed for combining effortless virtuoso technique with a warm tonal palette and vivid sensitivity.
Roger studied privately with Peter Gould and then at the Royal College of Music with John Barstow MBE, where he was presented with both the Chappell and Tagore Gold Medals.
He is a skilled communicator whose engaging personality makes him a popular visitor to music societies throughout the British Isles. Roger has performed as soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe and has broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and 4, Classic FM, and German radio.
Career highlights have included performances of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at London’s Barbican Centre, Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at Usher Hall, Edinburgh, and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy with the Bach Choir and the Philharmonia at the Royal Festival Hall, London. His recording of solo piano music by Liszt, entitled Wandering Spirit, (for Claudio Records) was received with widespread critical acclaim.
‘Roger Owens has a lovely sound, open and rounded, and shows excellent touch and control at the softest dynamics.’ (Tim Parry, International Record Review)