Praised for his unfailingly communicative playing, Leon McCawley has been delighting audiences worldwide since winning First Prize at the International Beethoven Piano Competition and Second Prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1993. His last recital here in York was described by Charles Hutchinson, formerly Arts Editor of York Press, as ‘a performance never to be forgotten’. The renowned British pianist pairs Beethoven’s much-loved ‘Waldstein’ Sonata – an important work from the start of the composer’s ‘Heroic’ decade – with his Andante favori which was originally intended to be the second movement of the ‘Waldstein’ Sonata. Together with César Franck’s great Prélude, Choral et Fugue, the programme also features two sonatas by Scarlatti and a selection of works by Chopin, including his captivating Barcarolle in F-sharp major in which he wonderfully encapsulates the mood and style of bel canto opera.