“One of the most radiantly musical of pianists, she plays with such alluring sensitivity & effortless command that one cannot help but be won over…” – International Piano

I first met Margaret Fingerhut in person when she was giving an inspirational master class to young Hertfordshire pianists at Princess Helena College, just outside Hitchin. But then as soon as I heard her demonstrate at the keyboard in that class, I realised of course I had already heard her wonderful playing live at Luton Music, when she had first appeared here in the town in 1999.

When I discussed with her our theme of The Ties between Pupil & Teacher she warmed readily to the idea. She is herself a much sought after Professor of Piano at Trinity Laban conservatoire and may even invite a student to join her on the platform for this concert. She also pointed out the connections to our theme in her fascinating nomadic programme – Bartók, Bortkiewicz, Chasins and Ponce all studied with various pupils of Liszt and to cap that there is even a suggestion that Albéniz may have had a furtive lesson with that Hungarian legend of the keyboard! In the spirit of that game of pedagogical lineage Margaret has offered her own illustrious provenance: MF→Fleisher→Schnabel→Leschetizky→Czerny→Beethoven! We are surely in for a treat…

Richard Sisson (Programme Planner)