INTERNATIONAL classical pianist and composer Stephen Hough – who spent much of his youth in Warrington, attending Thelwall Junior School, when he started to learn the piano at the age of five, has been knighted by King Charles.
Stephen, who combines a distinguished career as a pianist with that of a composer, essay writer and novelist became the first British-born classical pianist to be knighted since 1977.
He was awarded the CBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honours List and has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras as well as regularly broadcasting on television and radio.
But he has never forgotten his roots in Cheshire and Warrington, frequently giving recitals locally.
He once stepped in to save the day when the scheduled pianist for the free lunchtime concerts at Holy Trinity Church failed to turn up. He has also guested at the Lymm Festival and is a patron at Culture Warrington, who congratulated him on his Knighthood.
Taking to twitter Sir Stephen said: “Today with King Charles at Windsor Castle. I still have my head … ”
What an amazing day this must have been for our patron Stephen Hough.
The world renowned pianist, who grew up in Warrington, is the first British-born classical pianist to be knighted since 1977.
What an incredible achievement 👏 https://t.co/HtI76sVOeG
— Culture Warrington (@Culture_WA) July 13, 2023
1 Comment
I must be one of the few people to have seen Stephen Hough play the piano in his pyjamas!
I was a reporter on the Lancashire Evening Post at the time and heard about this child pianist at Thelwall Junior School. I went to his home in the early evening to find he was already in bed.
His Mum said she would get him up to play for me and although I said this wasn’t necessary she went upstairs and the next thing I knew I was listening to this amazing pianist, aged about seven I would guess, playing in his pyjamas and dressing gown.
My mum was a music teacher and pianist of professional standard so I was accustomed to hearing quality piano music. I phoned her that night and told her I had heard a boy aged about seven who was a better pianist than she was. Her response was: It does happen sometimes.
Stephen’s Mum was a lollipop lady in Thelwall at the time and seemed oblivious to the fact that she had a genius on her hands.
Every time I see him on TV or hear him on radio I remembeer that evening.
Congratulations Sir Stephen.