Bethany Reynolds In Conversation

Having first delighted audiences at our Family Concert in 2023 at just 9 years old, pianist Bethany Reynolds returns in July. She is now an increasingly accomplished and versatile young musician. Since her last appearance with SBMS, Bethany has continued to develop her talents not only as a pianist, but also as a cellist and composer.

We caught up with Bethany to talk about her musical inspirations, favourite repertoire, memorable performances, and what she enjoys most about making music with others.

When did you start playing the piano?

I started learning when I was 5 with a local music teacher and I discovered that I really liked it. Then I joined the Saffron Centre for Young Musicians which is based in Saffron Hall in Saffron Walden. This is where I am still studying with Siu Chui Li, who is an amazing teacher.

Do you play any other instruments?

Yes! I also play the cello, which I play in the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, and I am a very keen composer. I often arrange pieces that I play on the piano for other instrumentation, which is a particularly fun thing to do.

Is there a particular piano piece you especially love playing?

It changes all the time because my teacher Siu inspires me to learn lots of different pieces. My favourite at the moment is Sonatine by Ravel. It has so many different tone colours to explore! I also really love playing concertos. I enjoy the contrast between the fast and slow movements and how the pianist interacts with the orchestra.

What do you like most about performing with an orchestra?

A lot of my piano performance is solo. It is a treat when I get the chance to play with other musicians, whether that is in a chamber group or an orchestra. I like exploring how the different parts of an orchestral piece fit together, and how the piano part fits in.

Who inspires you most in your music making?

My teacher Siu definitely inspires me. Through her and the Saffron Centre I have also met lots of other inspiring musicians. The pianist, Tom Poster, is a very big inspiration. I have been to several of his concerts, and was very lucky to have had a masterclass with him at Saffron Hall last year. I played a spotlight performance and a duet with him in his concert with the Roman River Festival last September. That was very special! I have also recently been lucky to meet the pianist, Leif Ove Andsnes, after his performance in the Barbican. That was very inspiring for me.

What is your favourite musical memory?

Playing Shostakovich with St Botolph’s orchestra last year, of course! I’ve also been very lucky to play in some amazing places, including in the Elgar Room in the Royal Albert Hall, on Elton John’s Red Piano! I have also been to lots of concerts over the past few years- watching my piano teacher Siu play with her Chamber ensemble was very special. I was very lucky to get to see Martha Argerich at the Royal Festival Hall this spring.